Isolation and characterization of a lytic bacteriophage against xanthomonas campestris pv campestris

Background and Aim : Xanthomonas strains, including Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, are responsible for major damage to the agricultural industry and cause infections in more than ۴۰۰ different plant hosts including citrus, cabbage, wheat, tomatoes, peppers, and more. Conventional methods used to control these bacteria, include the use of copper-based bacteriocines, antibiotics and other solutions which induce and increase environmental damage, accumulation of toxins in the soil and bacterial resistance. finding a new strategy as alternative treatment for plant’s pathogenic bacteria seems necessary. Therefore, bacteriophages due to their many advantages and relatively ease of availability, as alternative biological control agents have been proposed. in this study, isolation and characterization of effective lytic phages on Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris were investigated in order to control these bacteria and prevent contamination of agricultural products and environmental hazards.Methods : A lytic bacteriophage effecting on Xanthomonas campestris pv. Campestris DSM۱۷۰۶ was isolated from Karun river water by double-layer agar method. Host range was determined using the spot test for Xanthomonas pathogenic strains. Its morphology was also investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Results : The isolated phage, in addition to Xcc DSM۱۷۰۶ strain, had a lytic effect on three other Xanthomonas pathogenic strains isolated from cabbage fields, including: SAM ۴۲۰۹, SAM ۴۲۱۱, SAM ۴۲۱۲. Based on the morphological characteristics, the isolated bacteriophage belonged to Tectiviridae family. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, lytic bacteriophages can be biological agents with effective antibacterial potential in controlling plant diseases and replace current controlling methods.

Keywords:

Bacteriophage , Lytic , Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris , Tectiviridae