Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops

Utku Şanver

doi:10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4

Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops

Abstract

This study investigates the genetic diversity and pathogenicity differences among eight Acidovorax citrulli isolates causing bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) in cucurbit crops. Using a polyphasic approach combining biochemical assays, molecular identification via species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Repetitive Element PCR (REP-PCR) fingerprinting, the isolates were characterized to confirm identity and assess genetic relationships. Biochemical tests showed homogeneous profiles consistent with A. citrulli. Molecular analysis confirmed species identity with a specific 360 bp PCR product. Genetic fingerprinting revealed two main clusters: one comprising isolates Ac01–Ac06 with high genetic similarity, and a distinct cluster containing Ac07 and Ac08, with Ac08 being the most genetically unique. Pathogenicity tests on watermelon, melon, and cucumber demonstrated significant variation in virulence among isolates (disease severity ranges: 30.0-96.0% for cucumber, 60.0-98.0% for melon, 53.0-100.0% for watermelon), with watermelon exhibiting the highest overall susceptibility to most bacterial strains and Ac08 displaying the highest aggressiveness across all hosts (97.3% average severity), suggesting a broad host range. The study confirms the presence of two major lineages corresponding to known Group I and Group II classifications, highlighting the importance of considering genetic and pathogenic diversity for effective disease management and breeding programs. These findings underscore the critical role of molecular diagnostics in seed certification and BFB control strategies.

Keywords

Bacterial fruit blotch, Cucurbit crops, Genetic diversity, Molecular identification, Virulence

Thanks

The author would like to thank Prof. Hatice Ozaktan (Ege University Faculty of Agricıılture Department of Plant Protection) for her support in supplying the isolate and laboratory facilities.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Plant Bacteriology in Agriculture

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Utku Şanver ^*
0000-0001-5373-2924
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

June 7, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

February 24, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA33FY59NZ

APA

Şanver, U. (2026). Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, Advanced Online Publication, 326-332. https://doi.org/10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4

AMA

1.Şanver U. Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication):326-332. doi:10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4

Chicago

Şanver, Utku. 2026. “Diversity and Pathogenicity Differences Among Acidovorax Citrulli Strains Causing Bacterial Fruit Blotch in Cucurbit Crops”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, no. Advanced Online Publication: 326-32. https://doi.org/10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4.

EndNote

Şanver U (June 1, 2026) Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences Advanced Online Publication 326–332.

IEEE

[1]U. Şanver, “Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops”, int. j. agric. environ. food sci., no. Advanced Online Publication, pp. 326–332, June 2026, doi: 10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4.

ISNAD

Şanver, Utku. “Diversity and Pathogenicity Differences Among Acidovorax Citrulli Strains Causing Bacterial Fruit Blotch in Cucurbit Crops”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences. Advanced Online Publication (June 1, 2026): 326-332. https://doi.org/10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4.

JAMA

1.Şanver U. Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2026;:326–332.

MLA

Şanver, Utku. “Diversity and Pathogenicity Differences Among Acidovorax Citrulli Strains Causing Bacterial Fruit Blotch in Cucurbit Crops”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, no. Advanced Online Publication, June 2026, pp. 326-32, doi:10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4.

Vancouver

1.Utku Şanver. Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2026 Jun. 1;(Advanced Online Publication):326-32. doi:10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.4

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Diversity and pathogenicity differences among Acidovorax citrulli strains causing bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbit crops