Identification and Characterization of Xanthomonas spp. Affecting Fruit Crops Cultivated in Assam, India

The present study was carried out to identify the bacterial pathogens affecting different fruit crops and to consign them in proper taxonomic position following different morphological, biochemical and molecular protocols. Diseased samples exhibiting typical symptoms on pomegranate (Punica granatum), mango (Mangifera indica), peach (Prunus persica), and plum (Prunus domestica) were gathered from two locations in Assam (Jorhat and Sonitpur). Through morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization, the bacterial isolates were identified within the genus Xanthomonas, displaying a broad host range encompassing pomegranate, mango, peach, and plum. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated the isolates as Xanthomonas citri pv. Mangiferae indicae (causing bacterial canker in mango), Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (responsible for bacterial blight in pomegranate), and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (associated with bacterial leaf spot in stone fruits). The findings underscore the importance of Xanthomonas in impacting diverse fruit crops, highlighting potential threats to their production.