Characterization of Pseudomonas syringae Isolated from Systemic Infection of Zucchini in Australia

Abstract

Zucchini plants with symptoms including twisted petioles, necrotic leaves, crown rot, and internal fruit rot were found in Bundaberg, Australia, at a commercial field for the first time during late autumn 2016, resulting in direct yield losses of 70 to 80%. Three Pseudomonas syringae strains isolated from symptomatic leaf (KL004-k1), crown (77-4C), and fruit (KFR003-1) were characterized and their pathogenicity evaluated on pumpkin, rockmelon, squash, and zucchini. Biochemical assays showed typical results for P. syringae. The three isolates differed, however, in that two produced fluorescent pigment (KFR003-1 and 77-4C) whereas the third, KL004-k1, was nonfluorescent. Multilocus sequence analysis classified the isolates to phylogroup 2b. The single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of core genome from the Australian and closely related international isolates of P. syringae showed two separate clusters. The Australian isolates were clustered based on fluorescent phenotype. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that all three isolates moved systemically within the inoculated plants and induced necrotic leaf symptoms in zucchini plants. Their identities were confirmed with specific PCR assays for P. syringae and phylogroup 2. Pathogenicity experiments also showed that the Eva variety of zucchini was more susceptible than the Rosa variety for all three isolates. Isolate KL004-k1 was more virulent than 77-4C on pumpkin, rockmelon, squash, and zucchini. This study expands the knowledge of P. syringae isolates that infect cucurbits and provides useful information for growers about the relative susceptibility of a range of cucurbit species.