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Molecular characterisation of Xanthomonas strains isolated from aroids in Mauritius
M H R Khoodoo1, F Sahin, M F Donmez
1Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Mauritius.
Abstract:
Mauritius is one of the largest world producers of Anthurium cut flowers but outbreaks of bacterial blight have never been reported on the island. This work was about the characterisation and identification of bacterial strains isolated from Anthurium andreanum, Dieffenbachia maculata and Aglaonema simplex in Mauritius. Fifteen strains, that showed the morphological properties of Xanthomonas on conventional media, were tested on two semi-selective media (Esculin-trehalose and cellobiose-starch). ELISA tests using a panel of monoclonal antibodies were carried out and three out of 15 strains reacted with a Xanthomonas-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb XII). Analysis using four sets of ribosomal primers revealed that the same three Mauritius strains shared conserved PCR products with reference xanthomonads including virulent strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (Xad). BIOLOG tests and the Sherlock Microbial Identification system (MIDI) identified these three new strains at the species level as X. axonopodis. The complementary tests that were carried out clearly confirmed that the three strains are xanthomonads and, moreover, a DNA probe which showed specificity to Xad strains suggested that the three Mauritius strains are non-virulent forms of the pathogen causing Anthurium blight.
Insights
Researchers identified non-virulent Xanthomonas axonopodis strains in Mauritius, a major Anthurium producer. This finding is crucial for preventing future bacterial blight outbreaks in Anthurium andreanum crops.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mauritius is a significant global producer of Anthurium cut flowers.
- Bacterial blight outbreaks caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (Xad) have not been previously reported in Mauritius.
- Anthurium blight poses a significant threat to ornamental plant production worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and identify bacterial strains isolated from Anthurium andreanum, Dieffenbachia maculata, and Aglaonema simplex in Mauritius.
- To determine if Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (Xad) is present in Mauritius and assess its virulence.
- To contribute to the understanding of bacterial plant diseases in ornamental crops.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culturing of bacterial strains on conventional and semi-selective media (Esculin-trehalose, cellobiose-starch).
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using monoclonal antibodies, including a Xanthomonas-specific antibody (MAb XII).
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using ribosomal primers and DNA probes for genetic analysis.
- Biolog identification system and Sherlock Microbial Identification system (MIDI) for phenotypic and genotypic identification.
Main Results:
- Fifteen strains with Xanthomonas-like morphology were isolated; three reacted with a Xanthomonas-specific monoclonal antibody.
- PCR analysis showed conserved products with reference xanthomonads, including Xad.
- Biolog and MIDI systems identified the three strains as Xanthomonas axonopodis.
- Further tests indicated these strains are non-virulent forms of Xad.
Conclusions:
- The study identified non-virulent strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis in Mauritius.
- These findings suggest a potential risk for future bacterial blight development in Anthurium crops.
- Monitoring and preventative strategies are recommended to manage potential Xad incursions.
