Epiphytic survival of Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae on mango buds.
Pruvost O., Couteau A., Verniere C., Luisetti J.
Author Affiliation: CIRAD/IRFA, Laboratoire de Phytopathologie, BP 180, 97455 Saint Pierre Cédex, Réunion.
: 337-344
Abstract : Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae, the causal agent of mango bacterial black spot disease, was found as an epiphyte on mango buds in naturally infested orchards on Reunion island. Occasionally, after heavy winds and rains occurring during a cyclone, bud necrosis was observed. Epiphytic survival of Xanthomonas was investigated under environmentally controlled conditions and in an experimental orchard. The ability of Xanthomonas to survive epiphytically on mango buds was greater under high RH, and somewhat greater under cool temperatures (i.e. 15-20°C). Populations as high as 105 colony forming units (c.f.u.)/bud were detected when plants were placed under favorable conditions. The epidemiological significance of epiphytic populations of Xanthomonas on mango buds is discussed.