First complete genome sequence of a Bacterial Panicle Blight causing pathogen, Burkholderia glumae, isolated from symptomatic rice grains from Bangladesh

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the most important food for more than two thirds of the world’s population. Bangladesh is the third largest producer and consumer of rice globally. Recently, several symptoms of Bacterial Panicle Blight (BPB) in rice, including seedling blight, sheath rot, floret sterility, and spotted grains, have been detected in the country. In addition, the presence of the most prevalent and virulent causative agent of BPB, Burkholderia glumae, has been confirmed in rice displaying symptoms of the disease. BPB could become one of the next emerging diseases of rice in Bangladesh, and a complete genome of a B. glumae strain from the country will help clarify its origin and devise proper management systems to continue sustainable rice production.

We report the first complete genome sequence of a B. glumae strain (BD_21g) isolated from symptomatic rice grains in Bangladesh (Natore District). The genome contains 2 chromosomes (1 and 2, with 3,417,499 and 3,855,283 bp, respectively) and 4 plasmids (1-4, with 123,248, 46,628, 88,744 and 53,064 bp, respectively).