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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Morpho-Cultural characterization of Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae, an incitant of bacterial blight of pomegranate
Authors
Deeksha T, Yenjerappa S T, Amaresh Y S, Savitha A S, Hemalatha K J
Abstract
Bacterial blight, incited by Xanthomonas
citri pv. punicae, is one of the most destructive diseases
threatening pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation across
Karnataka and other major growing states of India. The causal organism was
isolated from naturally infected pomegranate leaves and fruits showing typical
bacterial blight symptoms. The pathogen produced characteristic yellow,
circular, smooth, convex and mucoid colonies on the nutrient agar medium. Its
pathogenicity was confirmed through a detached leaf assay on healthy
pomegranate leaves (cv. Bhagwa), wherein typical water-soaked lesions
progressed into dark brown to black necrotic spots within 10 to 12 days of
inoculation. Morphological characterization revealed the organism to be a
Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium measuring 1.2-2.0 µm in length and 0.4-0.7
µm in width. Cultural characterization on seven different media showed that
nutrient agar supported the maximum bacterial multiplication, while modified
Wakimoto agar failed to support any growth. Colony diameter varied considerably
across media, ranging from 1.12 mm on nutrient agar to 4.51 mm on yeast glucose
calcium carbonate agar, although the colonies retained their characteristic
round, smooth-margined and mucoid appearance irrespective of the medium used.
Despite variation in growth intensity across media, the morphological and
cultural features recorded were consistent with the known characters of the
pathogen and the confirmed pathogenicity further strengthens its identity as X.
citri pv. punicae.
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Pages:528-532
How to cite this article:
Deeksha T, Yenjerappa S T, Amaresh Y S, Savitha A S, Hemalatha K J "Morpho-Cultural characterization of <i>Xanthomonas citri</i> pv. <i>punicae,</i> an incitant of bacterial blight of pomegranate". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 528-532
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