Murray et al. provide a thorough and fascinating review of the genus Rathayibacter, which contains six phytopathogenic bacterial species that are transmitted by seed gall nematodes. These species produce extracellular polysaccharides in infected plants, resulting in bacteriosis diseases. R. toxicus, listed as a Select Agent in the United States in 2008 and again in 2012, gained notoriety because of its association with annual ryegrass toxicity, which can severely harm and sometimes kill grazing animals.  Open access.