Method for Detecting Clavibacter xyli subsp. xyli from Sugarcane Leaves. A. G. Gillaspie, Jr. , Research Plant Pathologist, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705. Plant Dis. 71:691-693. Accepted for publication 16 January 1987. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1987. DOI: 10.1094/PD-71-0691.

Clavibacter xyli subsp. xyli, the causal agent of ratoon stunting disease, was detected in centrifugal extracts from sugarcane leaves that had been infiltrated with water. The basal parts of the oldest green leaf blades were cut in 2.5-cm sections, vacuum-infiltrated with water, and centrifuged at low speed. Leaf sections were elevated in the centrifuge tube with a plastic support, or enough leaves were lodged in the microfuge tube to prevent them from moving into the centrifugal fluid. Extracts were examined by phase-contrast microscopy. This procedure provides a method to detect the pathogen without destruction of the shoot.

Keyword(s): Saccharum interspecific hybrids.