Variation in the aggressiveness of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri pathotypes A and A* on three Citrus species, and epiphytic growth on some citrus weeds

Abstract

Citrus bacterial canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is a widespread disease in citrus-producing areas of the tropics and subtropics. It is a serious threat to most commercial citrus cultivars and species. In this study, aggressiveness of different isolates of Xcc was determined on leaves of Citrus aurantiifolia, Citrus limon ‘Eureka’ and Citrus sinensis, and the population dynamics of isolates of two Xcc pathotypes (A and A*) was evaluated on eight plant species considered weeds of citrus, including Amaranthus caudatus, Medicago sativa, Sorghum halepense, Xanthium strumarium, Portulaca oleracea, Avena ludoviciana, Plantago lanceolata and Chenopodium album under greenhouse conditions. Isolates varied from aggressive to weakly aggressive on the basis of the intensity and persistence of water soaking and the development of necrosis 12 days post-inoculation. Both Xcc pathotypes multiplied on all plant species tested except Portulaca oleracea up to 20 days post-inoculation under greenhouse conditions. A high bacterial growth rate was observed on Medicago sativa and Plantago lanceolata. Strains of the A* pathotype successfully proliferated on all weeds except Portulaca oleracea, attaining a population density even higher than that of the A pathotype. The results clearly suggest that weed management is an important strategy in controlling canker disease in citrus-growing areas.