Targeting Ralstonia solanacearum: A Pan-Genomic and Molecular Docking-Based Study

Abstract

Ralstonia solanacearum is a highly destructive soil-borne plant pathogen that poses a serious threat to global agricultural production due to its wide host range, high genetic diversity, and strong environmental adaptability. Despite extensive research on its pathogenicity and classification, the evolutionary dynamics across different hosts and regions and the identification of conserved protein targets for sustainable control remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we analyzed 208 Ralstonia solanacearum genomes using pan-genome analysis to characterize core, shell, and cloud gene clusters, revealing an open pan-genome structure and significant genomic variability. Functional enrichment analyses (GO and KEGG) of core genes highlighted conserved metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, which were further explored to identify potential receptor proteins. Using AlphaFold structural predictions, P2Rank binding site prediction, and AutoDock Vina molecular docking, we evaluated the binding affinities of selected key proteins with plant-derived and synthetic antimicrobial compounds. The results provide insights into the evolutionary patterns, host adaptation mechanisms, and potential pesticide targets of R. solanacearum, contributing to a deeper understanding of its control strategies. This study demonstrates the value of integrating comparative genomics and computational approaches for pathogen management and offers a basis for developing more targeted and sustainable disease control measures.Keywords: Ralstonia solanacearum; pan-genome analysis; core genes; functional enrichment; AlphaFold; P2Rank; molecular docking; host adaptation; evolutionary dynamics; pesticide targets