Phylogenetic relationships and population structure of Ralstonia solanacearum isolated from diverse origins in Taiwan

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a destructive disease for many crops. The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic relationships and genetic structure of an R. solanacearum population from diverse origins in Taiwan. All 58 tested isolates belonged to phylotype I, except the two biovar 2 isolates from potato. These belonged to phylotype IIB sequevar 1 and were identical to known potato brown rot strains, which were probably introduced. Phylotype I isolates were grouped into 10 sequevars. Sequevar 15 was predominant (34 out of 56 isolates). Its distribution covered the whole island and it was largely associated with solanaceous crops such as tomato, and with tomato field soil. A total of 14 haplotypes were identified based on a partial endoglucanase gene sequence. Parsimony network analysis revealed that haplotype A was the oldest haplotype in the local population. It encompassed all but one of the sequevar 15 isolates. Large variation in virulence on tomato was observed among the 58 isolates, and seven pathotypes were identified. Significant genetic differentiation was detected among pathotypes. Moreover, genetic differentiation was detected between biovar 3 and biovar 4 subgroups and between the strains associated with solanaceous and non‐solanaceous species, but none was detected between strains from different geographic origins. The results suggest that the phylotype I population in Taiwan is homogeneous, while mutation and local adaptation to specific ecological niches keep shaping the population.     

Molecular identification of some African strains of Ralstonia solanacearum from eucalypt and potato

Ralstonia solanacearum is a known bacterial pathogen of eucalypt and potato plants in Africa. A survey was undertaken to detect this pathogen in eucalypt plantations in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Numerous bacterial strains were isolated from trees with symptoms typical of bacterial wilt, but only seven were positively identified as R. solanacearum. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique, based on the hrp (hypersensitive response and pathogenicity) gene region was used to determine and group the biovars of these R. solanacearum strains. The eucalypt isolates and one potato isolate formed a biovar 3 cluster, whereas the two other potato isolates formed a cluster that corresponded to biovar 2. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis confirmed these clusters. Therefore, PCR-RFLP can be used as a reliable diagnostic technique to enable researchers to rapidly identify the pathogen.     

Analysis of genetic and biological characters of Japanese potato strains of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ralstonia solanacearum</Emphasis>

We assessed the geographic distribution, biovar, phylotype, DNA fingerprints (rep-PCR), and/or endoglucanase sequence of potato bacterial wilt pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), in Japan. Rs has been isolated from potato fields in southwestern, warm, temperate regions. Of the 188 isolates, 74 belonged to biovar N2 (39%), 44 to biovar 3 (24%), and 70 to biovar 4 (37%). Biovars N2 and 4 strains were widely distributed, from northern (Hokkaido) to southern (Okinawa) Japan. Based on the results of multiplex-PCR analysis, every potato strains belonged to either phylotype I or IV. Phylotype I comprised both biovars 3 and 4 strains. On the other hand, phylotype IV included biovar N2 strains. None of the strains belonged to phylotype II or III or biovar 1 or 2. Phylogenetic analysis based on DNA fingerprints and endoglucanase gene sequences clarified the genetic diversity of the Japanese potato strains and the close genetic relationship between the Japanese strains and the Asian strains in phylotypes I and IV.     

Bacterial wilt of sweet potato caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ralstonia solanacearum</Emphasis> in Taiwan

During the last decade, a new bacterial disease has impaired the yield of vegetable sweet potato (30–80%) in Taiwan. Infected plants developed stunting, root and stem rot, vascular discoloration and wilting. Ten bacterial isolates that caused the same symptoms in sweet potatoes after inoculation were reisolated and classified as Ralstonia solanacearum phylotype I biovar 4 based on physical and molecular analyses. Moreover, these isolates also caused wilting in convolvulaceous, solanaceaous and cruciferous plants. This report is the first of bacterial wilt of sweet potato caused by R. solanacearum in Taiwan.     

Phylotype and sequevar variability of Ralstonia solanacearum in Brazil,an ancient centre of diversity of the pathogen

The β‐proteobacterium Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt of many plant species. Knowledge of phylotype and sequevar variability in populations of this microorganism is useful for implementing control measures, particularly host resistance. To this end, 301 isolates of R. solanacearum were collected from different geographic regions and hosts in Brazil. Their phylotype and sequevar characterization was used to determine the amount and distribution of phenetic and phylogenetic variability. Isolates were classified into phylotypes I (n = 48), clade 1; and phylotype II, clades 2–5. Phylotype II was divided into subclusters IIA (n = 112) and IIB (n = 141). Phylotype II was widely distributed, whereas phylotype I isolates were found in Central, Northern, and Northeastern regions of Brazil. There were 108 haplotypes identified among endoglucanase (egl) gene sequences from 301 isolates and 32 haplotypes among DNA repair (mutS) gene regions from 176 isolates. The egl and mutS sequence analyses identified eight known (1, 4, 7, 18, 27, 28, 41 and 50) and four new (54, 55, 56 and 57) sequevars. Phylotype IIB showed high diversity in sequevars and host range. Multiplex PCR, using primers specific to the Moko ecotype, characterized banana and long pepper isolates as sequevar 4 and 4/NPB, respectively. This constitutes the first report of the emergent ecotype IIB/4NPB in a new host, long pepper. The majority of sequevars were associated with geographic regions. This high variability of R. solanacearum in Brazil suggests use of host resistance to control bacterial wilt should be mainly focused by region.     

Population genetic analysis of Phytophthora infestans in northwestern China

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most devastating disease of potato worldwide. To understand the P. infestans population structure and dynamics in northwestern China, 959 single‐lesion isolates were purified in three consecutive years (2009–2011) and were characterized for mating type, pathotype, mtDNA haplotype and molecular variation at eight SSR loci. The results showed that the distribution of mating types changed significantly over years, with self‐fertile isolates dominant in 2010 and 2011. SSR genotyping distinguished 959 isolates into 151 genotypes, and association analysis indicated that P. infestans populations in 2010 and 2011 were strictly asexual while in 2009 they showed signs of sexual reproduction. Population analysis showed that the majority of genetic variation was within P. infestans populations. Isolates sharing identical SSR genotypes were detected in distant regions, indicating that migration of P. infestans could have occurred between regions. Pathogenicity assays on a set of potato differential lines containing R1 to R11 resistance genes detected four pathotypes from 74 selected isolates, with the pathotype virulent against all 11 R genes being dominant. Three mtDNA haplotypes (Ia, IIa, IIb) were detected with Ia being dominant among 507 isolates examined. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. infestans populations in northwestern China are distant from European lineages including 13‐A2 (blue‐13) at the time of this survey. The results have implications for the trade of healthy seed tubers as a means of managing late blight.     

Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar 2/Rasse 3 (Erreger der Schleimkrankheit der Kartoffel) in Oberflächengewässern und Solanum dulcamara – Ergebnisse eines mehrjährigen Monitorings in Bayern

The potato brown rot, caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum biovar 2/race 3 (potato race) was classified as quarantine pathogen by the European Union (EU) due to the risks it would pose for the cultivation of potatoes and tomatoes. Quarantine regulations stipulate control surveys and tests on potatoes used as seed, for food as well as industrial purposes and in surface water to check for contamination with R. solanacearum. Toward this end, the Institute for Plant Protection of the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture has been conducting an intensive survey for the presence of the potato brown rot pathogen in Bavarian rivers since 1997. An important component of this monitoring is the testing of potential weed hosts growing near river banks. Every year, from June to September, water- and plant samples have been collected from rivers in potato cultivation areas and near potato processing plants. Since the start of the survey, a total of 70 rivers has been tested. The presence of the pathogen was checked by immunofluorescence antibody staining (IFAS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive IFAS or PCR tests were checked again by biotests and pathogenicity tests on eggplant (Solanum melongena). So far R. solanacearum could be found in nine Bavarian rivers. Concerning wild plants growing near the river banks the bacterium could be isolated only from roots of the bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). However, from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), nodding beggartick (Bidens cernua), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), great yellowcress (Rorippa amphibia) and gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus) R. solanacearum could not be isolated. In contaminated rivers, with S. dulcamara growing on the river banks, R. solanacearum could be detected repetitively for several years. In 1997 it was found that rivers can be contaminated by the pathogen, if insufficiently treated sewage from potato processing plants is released into waterways. Potato cultivation is threatened by surface water only, if contaminated water is used to irrigate potato fields. Consequently, surface water should never be used for irrigation of potato fields or application of plant protection products.     

Performance of real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence for the detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacearum in potato tubers in routine testing

This paper describes a comparison study of test methods and supports the use of real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacearum in potato tubers in routine testing. These 2 bacteria are quarantine organisms under European Union (EU) regulatory control and testing for (latent) infections of these bacteria in seed potatoes is mandatory. Real‐time PCR tests were performed on 276 routine potato tuber samples, including samples infected with either C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus or R. solanacearum, and the performance of these real‐time PCR tests was compared with that of immunofluorescence (IF). Real‐time PCR tests, using different primer sets and extraction and PCR protocols, proved to be sensitive and specific for the detection of C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and R. solanacearum in potato tubers in routine testing, and performed at least as well as IF. Real‐time PCR is a good addition to the detection protocols as laid down in EU regulations (EU Council Directives 2006/56/EC and 2006/63/EC).     

Alteration of gene expression profile in the roots of wild diploid Arachis duranensis inoculated with Ralstonia solanacearum

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious disease of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in China. However, the molecular basis of peanut resistance to R. solanacearum is poorly understood. Arachis duranensis, a wild diploid species of the genus Arachis, has been proven to be resistant to bacterial wilt, and thus holds valuable potential for understanding the mechanism of resistance to bacterial wilt and genetic improvement of peanut disease resistance. Here, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and macroarray hybridization were employed to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the roots of A. duranensis after R. solanacearum inoculation. A total of 317 unique genes were obtained, 265 of which had homologues and functional annotations. KEGG analysis revealed that a large proportion of these unigenes are mainly involved in the biosynthesis of phytoalexins, particularly in the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids and flavonoids. Subsequent real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that the terpenoid and flavonoid synthesis‐related genes showed higher expression levels in a resistant genotype of A. duranensis than in a susceptible genotype, indicating that the terpenoids and flavonoids probably played a fundamental role in the resistance of A. duranensis to R. solanacearum. This study provides an overview of the gene expression profile in the roots of wild Arachis species in response to R. solanacearum infection. Moreover, the related candidate genes are also valuable for the further study of the molecular mechanisms of resistance to R. solanacearum.     

青枯菌无致病力菌株对烟草青枯病的控病作用初步研究

从茄子、番茄、辣椒、烟草青枯病株中分离出116株无致病力青枯菌,室内平板喷雾法拈抗试验结果表明,有21株菌在NA培养基上可明显抑制青枯菌TbRs的生长;烟草MSK326品种温室盆栽控病试验表明,Tnljdl-3和Aujd8—2—1两株菌具有较好控病效果,20d后的相对防效分别为58．4％和97％。     

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles induce systemic resistance in tomato against bacterial wilt disease

Bacterial wilt is a serious problem affecting many important food crops. Recent studies have indicated that treatment with biotic or abiotic stress factors may increase the resistance of plants to bacterial infection. This study investigated the effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NP) on disease resistance in tomato plants against Ralstonia solanacearum, as well as its antibacterial activity. The roots of tomato seedlings were inoculated with R. solanacearum and then immediately treated with MgO NP; the treated plants showed very little inhibition of bacterial wilt. In contrast, when roots were drenched with a MgO NP suspension prior to inoculation with the pathogen, the incidence of disease was significantly reduced. Rapid generation of reactive oxygen species such as O₂^?˙ radicals was observed in tomato roots treated with MgO NP. Further O₂^?˙ was rapidly generated when tomato plant extracts or polyphenols were added to the MgO NP suspension, suggesting that the generation of O₂^?˙ in tomato roots might be due to a reaction between MgO NP and polyphenols present in the roots. Salicylic acid‐inducible PR1, jasmonic acid‐inducible LoxA, ethylene‐inducible Osm, and systemic resistance‐related GluA were up‐regulated in both the roots and hypocotyls of tomato plants after treatment of the plant roots with MgO NP. Histochemical analyses showed that β‐1,3‐glucanase and tyloses accumulated in the xylem and apoplast of pith tissues of the hypocotyls after MgO NP treatment. These results indicate that MgO NP induces systemic resistance in tomato plants against R. solanacearum.     

Ralstonia solanacearum virulence in tomato seedlings inoculated by leaf clipping

Ralstonia solanacearum is a phytopathogenic bacterium that colonizes the xylem vessels of host plants leading to a lethal wilt disease. Although several studies have investigated the virulence of R. solanacearum on adult host plants, infection studies of this pathogen on the seedling stages of hosts are less common. In a preliminary observation, inoculation of R. solanacearum F1C1 on 6‐ to 7‐day‐old tomato seedlings by a simple leaf‐clip strategy resulted in a lethal pathogenic condition in seedlings that eventually killed these seedlings within a week post‐inoculation. This prompted testing of the effect of this inoculation technique in seedlings from different cultivars of tomato and similar results were obtained. Colonization and spread of the bacteria throughout the infected seedlings was demonstrated using gus‐tagged R. solanacearum F1C1. The same method of inoculating tomato seedlings was used with R. solanacearum GMI1000 and independent mutants of R. solanacearum GMI1000, deficient in the virulence genes hrpB, hrpG, phcA and gspD. Wildtype R. solanacearum GMI1000 was found to be virulent on tomato seedlings, whereas the mutants were found to be non‐virulent. This leaf‐clip technique, for inoculation of tomato seedlings, has the potential to be a valuable approach, saving time, space, labour and costs.     

Low genetic variability in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum populations from common bean fields in Minas Gerais State,Brazil, at regional,local and micro‐scales

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causal agent of white mould, is the most destructive and widely distributed soilborne pathogen of common bean during the autumn–winter season in Brazil. Nevertheless, little is known about the genetic structure of the pathogen population. Microsatellite (SSR) markers and mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) were used to characterize 118 isolates collected from 20 bean fields located in the most important growing regions of Minas Gerais State (MG). Additionally, the genetic variability among 10 isolates obtained from a single sclerotium was investigated in 10 different sclerotia. Seventy SSR haplotypes and 14 MCGs were identified among the 118 isolates. The genetic differences within bean growing areas accounted for most of the genetic variation (72%). Despite the relatively high genotypic diversity, the SSR loci were at linkage disequilibrium. Moreover, 70% of the isolates were assigned to only two MCGs, and haplotypes of a given MCG were closely related. The discriminant analysis of principal components revealed five groups. There was strong genetic differentiation between isolates collected in one municipality in southern MG when compared to other regions. Common bean resistance to white mould should be assessed with representative isolates of the five genetic groups and, if possible, of the different MCGs detected in the present study. One to five haplotypes were detected among the 10 isolates obtained from a single sclerotium. Therefore, in order to ensure genetic identity of an isolate, hyphal tip or monoascosporic isolates should be used.     

The gene flow and mode of reproduction of Dothistroma septosporum in the Czech Republic

Since 1911, dothistroma needle blight, caused by Dothistroma septosporum, has been recorded in most European countries. In the Czech Republic, the fungus has become an important disease of pines since 2000, especially Austrian pines in plantations of Christmas and ornamental trees. The aim of this study was to analyse the population structure, gene flow and mode of reproduction of this pathogen. Microsatellite and mating‐type markers were analysed in a Dothistroma population in the southeastern part of the country using reference isolates from other European countries. The haplotypic diversity was high, with 87 unique and 13 shared haplotypes (probable clones) identified in 121 samples. Based on structure analysis, the isolates were divided into two populations, with an uneven distribution over the sampling sites. The grouping of the sites to the populations did not follow a geographical pattern because certain isolates that were sympatrically co‐occurring at the same site were placed in different populations. Tests for random mating (the index of association and a parsimony tree‐length permutation test) showed a significant clonal mode of reproduction in most cases, but the intrapopulation haplotypic diversity is unexpectedly high. Although a teleomorphic stage of D. septosporum has not been previously observed in the Czech Republic, the high intrapopulation haplotypic diversity can be explained by infrequent sexual reproduction consistent with the occurrence of both mating types.     

Ralstonia solanacearum as a potato pathogen in Serbia: Characterization of strains and influence on peroxidase activity in tubers

Since 2011, the outbreaks of brown rot caused by Ralstonia solanacearum race 3, biovar 2, phylotype IIB-1 (R3/B2/PIIB-1) have significantly compromised potato production in Serbia. During 6 years of monitoring (2013–2018) among 3,524 potato tuber samples, 344 were found positive for brown rot disease. R. solanacearum R3/B2/PIIB-1 was isolated from seven cultivars among 12 monitored, and in five localities among 17 monitored. Cultivar Lady Claire was found to have the highest disease frequency (31.98%). A total of 78 isolates were identified by R. solanacearum-specific primer pairs (PS-1/PS-2 and OLI-1/Y-2), as well as the following tests: restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, biovar determination, immunofluorescence, biochemical analysis, and pathogenicity. The genetic composition of 36 selected isolates assessed using multilocus sequence analysis with seven genes (adk, gapA, gdhA, gyrB, ppsA, hrpB, and fliC) showed that all isolates originating from Serbian potato were homogeneous. By using the TCS algorithm of concatenated sequences to get insight into the phylogeography of isolates and other R. solanacearum strains deposited in the NCBI database, we showed that their origin is undetermined. Peroxidase (POD) activity was measured in brown rotted potato tubers. A positive correlation was found between POD activity and disease severity rated on the analysed tubers. In general, POD activity increased by 2–22 times in vascular necrotic tissues compared to non-necrotic ones, and depended on disease severity but not on cultivar. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of POD profiles resulted in a total of 10 distinct POD isoforms, of which PODs 3–5 were highly intensified in response to R. solanacearum.     

Investigation and control of potato brown rot in Germany,especially in Bayern1

Ralstonia solanacearum has been found in Dutch potato production since 1995. For this reason, comprehensive laboratory tests on seed- and ware-potato production have been carried out in Germany. The amount of tested potato lots has increased fivefold. In 1997, 10678 tests were carried out on seed potatoes and 2351 tests on ware potatoes respectively. In 1996, R. solanacearum was found in five lots in Bayern and in one lot in Brandenburg, and in 1997 only in two ware-potato lots in Bayern. A thorough analysis was carried out to find the source of infection, but it was not possible to identify it clearly. The measures taken were based on the draft Control Directive for brown rot, which will soon be adopted by the Council of the European Union, and were very restrictive for the affected farms. Monitoring of a potato-processing enterprise that had processed an infected lot without permit in 1996 established that R. solanacearum was present in wastewater. This paper discusses the measures taken in Bayern and the risks of further introduction.     

Dominance of a single clonal lineage in the Phytophthora infestans population from northern Shaanxi,China revealed by genetic and phenotypic diversity analysis

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most serious disease of potato worldwide. To understand the P. infestans population structure in northern Shaanxi, an emerging potato production region in China, 125 single‐lesion isolates were randomly collected from farmers' fields in 2009 and characterized phenotypically and genotypically. A mating type assay showed that 94 isolates were A1 mating type. Virulence determination of selected isolates on a set of differential potato lines containing R1 to R11, respectively, showed the presence of two pathotypes, of which the pathotype lacking avirulence genes Avr3, Avr4 and Avr10 was dominant. Isolates lacking all avirulence factors Avr1 to Avr11 were detected but at lower frequency (13·6%). Analysis for mtDNA haplotype showed all 61 examined isolates were IIa. A total of seven multilocus genotypes were distinguished among 125 isolates, as determined with seven polymorphic microsatellite markers. The genotype SG‐1 was dominant in the population with a frequency of 75·2% and was present throughout the region. Analysis of the phenotypic and genotypic structures of P. infestans populations indicated strict clonal reproduction of the pathogen and suggested that sexual reproduction probably does not occur. Potential implications for disease management are discussed.     

Molecular and biological characterization of Potato mop‐top virus (PMTV,Pomovirus) isolates from the potato‐growing regions of Colombia

Potato mop‐top virus (PMTV) causes necrotic flecks inside and on tubers in temperate countries. In South America, these symptoms have not been observed, although the presence of the virus has been confirmed in the Andes and in Central America. To characterize PMTV isolates from the Andes, soil samples were taken from the main potato‐producing regions in Colombia and virus was recovered by planting Nicotiana benthamiana as bait plants. The complete genomes of five isolates were sequenced and three of the isolates were inoculated to four different indicator plants. Based on sequence comparisons, three types of RNA‐CP (RNA2) and RNA‐TGB (RNA3) were found. The isolates from the centre of the country (CO3 and CO4) were similar to isolates from Europe. The genomes of CO1, CO2 and CO5 differ from other PMTV isolates, placing them in a separate clade in phylogenetic trees. The three Colombian isolates (CO1, CO2 and CO5) only induced slightly different symptoms in the indicator plants. However, the isolate from the northwest of the country (CO1) induced stronger symptoms in N. benthamiana including severe stunting. A correlation between the genotype of the isolates and the symptoms they induced on indicator plants was not found.     

Factors affecting the virulence of Ralstonia solanacearum and its colonization on tobacco roots

Tobacco bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious disease affecting tobacco cultivation in southwest China. The response surface methodology was employed to evaluate the optimal conditions of tobacco bacterial wilt, and green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) labelling was applied to monitor the location and survival dynamics of R. solanacearum (Rs::gfp) on tobacco roots and in soil under these optimal conditions. The results showed that the highest wilt incidence was 91.13%, which occurred when the population reached 6.6 × 10⁶ CFU/g soil, the temperature was 30.55 °C, and the humidity was >81.42%. The Rs::gfp densely colonized the root tips and root hairs, and cells of Rs::gfp were observed intermittently in the elongation zone or at the point of the emerging lateral roots. The Rs::gfp number in the rhizosphere soil was 10.75‐, 73.13‐ and 74.86‐times higher than that in the bulk soil at 10, 15 and 20 days after transplantation, respectively. Increased colonization by Rs::gfp was related to the population of the pathogen, the environmental temperature and the humidity in the soil. These three conditions determined whether R. solanacearum would induce tobacco wilt. This is the first study to investigate factors affecting the virulence of a tobacco wilt bacterial pathogen, which is important for conducting field diagnosis and biocontrol of tobacco bacterial wilt.