Erwinia salicis: its metabolism and variability in vitro, and a method to demonstrate the pathogen in the host

Morphological, biochemical and serological features of eleven Erwinia salicis isolates were examined. Three groups were demonstrated, one of which comprises the Dutch isolates. Serological techniques proved to be a valuable addition to conventional plating techniques for detecting the pathogen. Willow wood extract with 5% sucrose, 0.06% "Lab Lemco" broth and 1.5% agar appeared to be a suitable medium for the isolation of E. salicis, because of its selectivity.