Characteristics of South African Strains of Pseudomonas solanacearum. Anita E. Swanepoel, Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Research Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. B. W. Young, South African Consulate General, 9107 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 400, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Plant Dis. 72:403-405. Accepted for publication 16 August 1987. Copyright 1988 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-72-0403.

Forty-five strains of Pseudomonas solanacearum were isolated from host plants grown in different locations in South Africa. With one exception, the strains isolated from potatoes were identified as biotype II, and all but one of the strains from tomatoes and tobacco as biotype III. Distinct differences were found between the two biotypes with respect to their ability to oxidize eight carbohydrates dissolved in a synthetic medium. One strain from potatoes, identified as biotype II, was distinctly different from the other potato strains in its ability to oxidize the carbohydrates. Five strains were selected for virulence tests on eight host plants. All these strains were virulent to potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and pepper but there were clear differences in virulence towards tobacco, sunflower, peanut, and the weed large thorn apple (Datura ferox).

Keyword(s): bacterial wilt.