A sugar transporter (MfsX) is also required by Dickeya dadantii 3937 for in planta fitness

Previously, we showed that the sugar transporter MfsX in the major facilitator superfamily is involved in the pathogenicity of Dickeya dadantii (syn. Erwinia chrysanthemi). Here, we show that a mutation in this gene resulted in increased susceptibility to several antimicrobial agents, reduced biosynthesis of a blue pigment indigoidine, and reduced chemotaxis towards some sugars and amino acids and in pellicle formation. These phenotypes in D. dadantii have been thought to be important for survival in planta. Thus, this MfsX sugar transporter may contribute to pathogenicity by enhancing in planta survival of the phytopathogen.