Pathogenicity and virulence gene content of Xanthomonas strains infecting Araceae,formerly known as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae

Bacterial leaf blight of aroids is caused by a heterogeneous group of xanthomonads listed as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (Xad) on the EPPO A2 quarantine list. Recently, Xad strains were shown not to belong to X. axonopodis but to the species X. citri, X. phaseoli and X. euvesicatoria. Here, to verify the pathovar designation, 11 representative strains were tested for pathogenicity on six aroid genera. They had overlapping host ranges and only the strain isolated from Syngonium showed host specificity. The X. citri strains, isolated from various hosts, showed dissimilarity in virulence to the tested aroid genera. The X. phaseoli strains, isolated from Anthurium and Syngonium, were generally more virulent and, additionally, induced systemic infections. The X. euvesicatoria strains, isolated from Philodendron, were scored as not pathogenic on the tested aroids. Four representative strains were genome sequenced and showed a variable virulence‐associated gene content. Pathogenicity to aroids was correlated with the presence of three specific T3 effector genes and with a T6SS gene sequence. Together, the phylogenetic and pathogenic differentiation among Xad strains justifies the installation of three pathovar epithets for the pathogens on aroids: X. phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae comb. nov. for the strains isolated from Anthurium; X. phaseoli pv. syngonii comb. nov. for the strain isolated from Syngonium; and X. citri pv. aracearum comb. nov. for the strains isolated from Aglaonema, Xanthosoma and Dieffenbachia. It is proposed that phytosanitary regulations for xanthomonads on aroids are restricted to these three pathovars.     

红掌细菌性疫病病原菌的PCR特异性检测

 红掌细菌性疫病(Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae,简称Xad)是红掌等天南星科花卉毁灭性病害,该病通过带菌种苗调运不断在我国扩散蔓延,国内尚未有检测方法。通过筛选和重新设计引物,建立了Xad 的PCR 检测方法,结果表明,利用引物Xad-F / Xad-R 进行PCR,能扩增出检测Xad 的特异性DNA 片断,其灵敏度可达1 × 102 CFU / mL,DNA 的最低检出限为0. 44 ng / μL,可用于红掌苗的带菌检测和红掌细菌病害的鉴定。     

Comparative and collaborative studies for the validation of a nested PCR for the detection of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae from Anthurium samples

Efficient control of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae, the causal agent of anthurium bacterial blight, requires sensitive and reliable diagnostic tools. The European standard EN ISO 16140:2003 has been followed to compare a nested PCR assay (N‐PCR) to a reference method (isolation and serological identification of bacterial colonies) and to other alternative serological detection methods. The evaluation was performed in two steps: a comparative study and a collaborative study involving 15 European laboratories. Although inclusivity was maximal (100%) for all methods, a maximal exclusivity was obtained only with N‐PCR followed by an enzymatic restriction digestion of the amplicons. Exclusivity indices of 90·6, 88·7 and 47·2% were found for indirect ELISA, immunofluorescence and double antibody sandwich ELISA, respectively. An exclusivity of 92·5% was obtained with the reference method, further increased to 100% if pathogenicity tests were performed as a supplemental assay. The best level of sensitivity (relative detection level) was obtained with the reference method followed by the N‐PCR assay. The N‐PCR performance in terms of relative accuracy, accordance and concordance was very similar to that of the reference method. Moreover, N‐PCR had undeniable advantages compared to the reference method (less labour‐intensive and less time‐consuming). In addition, post‐test probabilities of infection were calculated to select the most appropriate detection scheme related to the prevalence of the pathogen. The N‐PCR assay has since been included in a revised version of the EPPO detection protocol.     

两种植物病原黄单胞菌基因组中同义密码子使用的分析

 根据已释放的基因组序列,对野油菜黄单胞菌野油菜致病变种(Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris,Xcc)和地毯草黄单胞菌柑桔致病变种(X. axonopodis pv. citri,Xac)的密码子使用进行了分析。相对同义密码子使用值(relative synonymous codon usage,RSCU)的计算表明,它们具有高度相似的密码子使用模式。2个基因组密码子第3位的GC含量(GC3s)平均达0.806±0.077(Xcc)和0.791±0.075(Xac),倾向于使用GC含量较高的密码子。对有效密码子数量和密码子适应指数的分析表明,Xcc与Xac基因组中,高表达基因具有较高的GC含量,倾向于使用少数种类的密码子,而低表达基因具有较高的AT含量,倾向于随机地使用密码子。对密码子使用绝对次数进行的对应分析也证明了上述结论。同时,计算也证明了基因在基因组中的位置不影响密码子使用的模式。因此,基因组的GC含量、基因的表达水平和基因的种类与起源是影响这2个基因组密码子使用的主要因素。     

柑橘溃疡病菌的普通LAMP及快速LAMP检测方法的建立

建立柑橘溃疡病菌的普通LAMP和快速LAMP检测方法,使其能应用于基层检验检疫部门对病害的快速检测.利用柑橘溃疡病菌基因组特有的保守区域设计LAMP引物,通过优化反应条件,建立柑橘溃疡病菌的普通LAMP检测体系;在普通LAMP引物的基础上设计一对环引物,建立柑橘溃疡病菌的快速LAMP检测体系,并以多种参比菌DNA以及健康柑橘叶片基因组DNA为模板对普通LAMP和快速LAMP检测体系的特异性进行了验证,利用柑橘溃疡病菌菌液和DNA溶液梯度稀释液对普通LAMP和快速LAMP检测体系的灵敏度进行了验证.普通LAMP检测体系菌体和DNA检测灵敏度分别达到了2.25×104 cfu和2.03×10-1 ng,快速LAMP检测体系菌体和DNA检测灵敏度分别达到了2.25 cfu和2.03×10-5ng.在特异性测试中,普通LAMP检测体系与快速LAMP检测体系均仅对柑橘溃疡病菌进行扩增,对非靶标菌和柑橘叶片基因组DNA不产生扩增,普通LAMP与快速LAMP检测体系特异性测试结果一致.快速LAMP检测体系在0.5h内就可以达到普通LAMP检测体系的扩增量,是普通LAMP检测体系反应时间的一半,大大提高了检测的效率;快速LAMP检测体系菌悬液和DNA检测灵敏度均比普通LAMP检测体系提高了10 000倍.成功地建立了柑橘溃疡病菌的普通LAMP及快速LAMP检测方法,为柑橘溃疡病菌的检测提供了一种新的简便、快速的检测手段.     

Consequences of the taxonomic revision of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae and of the analysis of its associated pathogenicity for the recommendation of regulation (EPPO A2 List)

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae, the causal agent of bacterial blight of Araceae (aroids), is a regulated pest in several countries and is included in the EPPO A2 List. Reference strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae have recently been reclassified into the species Xanthomonas phaseoli, Xanthomonas citri and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria on the basis of different features, including multilocus sequence analysis, average nucleotide identity and homology in DNA–DNA hybridization analyses. Based on pathogenicity tests, Constantin et al. (2017) proposed naming the pathogens on aroids as X. phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae, X. phaseoli pv. syngonii and X. citri pv. aracearum. Recommendations are made on how to deal with these changes for the group of pathogenic bacteria for Araceae. The name Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae on the EPPO List should be adjusted to the names proposed in the taxonomic study by Constantin et al. (2016). The current EPPO Diagnostic Standard is directed at strains pathogenic on Anthurium. They mainly belong to X. phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae, but some also to X. citri pv. aracearum that are not detected by the EPPO Diagnostic Standard. Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. syngonii strains are also aggressive, but with a host range restricted to Syngonium. The pathogenicity specific to aroids of the bacterial isolates reclassified as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria was not confirmed and no pathovar epithet has been retained for these strains.     

hrp基因关键调控因子HrpG在水稻白叶枯病菌和条斑病菌中的交叉互补性研究

 水稻白叶枯病菌(Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, Xoo)和条斑病菌(X. oryzae pv. oryzicola, Xoc)在非寄主烟草上产生过敏反应(HR)和在寄主水稻上具有致病性,是由hrp致病岛决定的,其中HrpG为关键调控因子。Xoo和Xoc侵染水稻途径和在水稻上产生病害症状的不同,是否与hrpG基因有关,还不清楚。本研究利用反向遗传学方法获得了Xoo和Xoc的hrpG突变体PΔhrpG和RΔhrpG,并用hrpG_Xoo基因和hrpG_Xoc基因分别互补上述2个突变体,获得了相应的互补菌株。致病性测定结果显示,PΔhrpG和RΔhrpG突变体丧失了在水稻上的致病性和在非寄主烟草上产生HR的能力,而hrpG_Xoo基因和hrpG_Xoc基因可分别互补上述突变体至野生型水平。利用GUS报告基因检测基因启动子活性发现,hrpG_Xoo和hrpG_Xoc的启动子活性没有显著差别;RT-PCR和Western杂交结果显示,hrpG基因交叉互补菌株中HrpG调控的下游基因hrpX、hpaR、hrcT、hpa2和hrpD6的表达没有差异,且III型分泌系统分泌蛋白Hpa2的分泌性没有受到影响。这些结果表明,稻黄单胞菌hrpG基因可在Xoo和Xoc中交叉互置,位于其上游和下游的调控途径可能相似,而决定Xoo和Xoc在水稻上的侵染途径以及所致病害症状差异可能与hrpG基因位点无关。     

N‐acetylcysteine interferes with the biofilm formation,motility and epiphytic behaviour of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri

Citrus canker is caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. Bacterial biofilm formation is important in the development of this disease because it is a factor in epiphytic bacterial survival on leaves and in infection. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), in addition to having antibacterial properties, reduces biofilm formation by a variety of bacteria and was therefore tested for impairing biofilm formation by X. citri. Copper is currently the antimicrobial compound most commonly applied in agriculture to control citrus canker. Therefore, this study also evaluated a possible synergistic effect between NAC and copper to improve the strategy for controlling this phytopathogen. NAC was found to decrease biofilm formation, the production of extracellular polysaccharides and bacterial stickiness. Motility was also affected in the presence of NAC. The best combination of NAC and copper for controlling X. citri was application of NAC followed by copper 48 h later. The concentrations of 6 mg mL^?1 of NAC and 3·5 μg mL^?1 of copper were able to kill X. citri. NAC inhibited the epiphytic behaviour of X. citri on leaves, altering cell growth and the bacterial ability to form biofilms. The addition of copper to cells previously treated with NAC enhanced its bactericidal activity. In conclusion, NAC has antibacterial properties against X. citri, interfering with bacterial growth, motility and biofilm formation. Under epiphytic conditions, NAC made the cells more susceptible to copper by affecting X. citri biofilm formation. This study opens new possibilities for the use of NAC in combination with copper, possibly resulting in more sustainable management of citrus canker.     

Characterization,genetic diversity and distribution of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris races causing black rot disease in cruciferous crops of India

Black rot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a disease of crucifer crops. The objective of this study was to characterize races of Xcc, their distribution and genetic diversity in India. Two hundred and seventeen isolates of bacteria were obtained from 12 different black rot‐infected crucifer crops from 19 states of India; these were identified as Xcc based on morphology, hrpF gene and 16S rRNA gene based molecular markers and pathogenicity tests. Characterization of races was performed by using a set of seven differential crucifer hosts, comprising two cultivars of turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) and cultivars of Indian mustard (B. juncea), Ethiopian mustard (B. carinata), rapeseed mustard (B. napus), cauliflower (B. oleracea) and Savoy cabbage (B. oleracea var. sabauda). Races 1, 4 and 6 of Xcc were identified and, among these races, race 1 followed by race 4 dominated most of the states of India. Genetic diversity of the Indian isolates of Xcc was analysed using repetitive sequence‐based PCR (rep‐PCR) including primers for REP (repetitive extragenic palindromic), ERIC (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus) and BOX (amplifying with BOX A1 R primer) repetitive elements. This method of fingerprinting grouped the isolates into 56 different DNA types (clusters) with a 75% similarity coefficient. Among these clusters, DNA types 22 and 53 contained two different races 1 and 4, whereas DNA type 12 contained races 1, 4 and 6. However, no clear relationship was observed between fingerprints and races, hosts or geographical origin.     

Molecular characterization of Xanthomonas species isolated from Araceae and the development of a triplex TaqMan assay for detection of Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae

European Journal of Plant Pathology - In total 58 Xanthomonas strains isolated from Araceae worldwide, together with 13 other phylogenetically-related Xanthomonas strains, were characterized using...     

Widespread distribution of Xanthomonas perforans and limited presence of X. gardneri in Brazil

Tomato bacterial spot is caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, X. perforans and X. gardneri. In order to determine the distribution, frequency of occurrence, and diversity of these species in the Brazilian commercial tomato fields, a survey was conducted between 2009 and 2012. In this period, 204 strains were obtained from 33 counties (22 with processing tomatoes and 11 with fresh‐market tomatoes). Pathogenicity tests, BOX‐PCR, PCR with species‐specific primers, and sequence analysis of the avirulence gene avrXv3 were performed in order to identify the strains at species and race level. Xanthomonas perforans predominated among the strains (92%) and was present in most counties. In addition, this species was prevalent in most areas of both fresh‐market tomatoes (63.6% of counties surveyed) and processing tomatoes (95.4% of counties surveyed). Fifteen strains (7.5%) were identified as X. gardneri, which was found mostly in fresh‐market fields located at regions with altitude higher than 900 m, and only one strain of X. euvesicatoria (0.5%) was found in a processing tomato field. High genetic diversity was observed within X. perforans, with 137 BOX‐PCR haplotypes. Race T3 prevailed (97.5%), but reported here for the first time is the occurrence of five strains identified as race T4 in fresh‐market fields in the state of São Paulo. The race T4 phenotype of these strains resulted from the presence of an 859 bp insertion in the avirulence gene avrXv3. This insertion is related to amino acid sequences of a transposase found in X. gardneri, and to amino acid sequences of X. campestris.     

Genetic, phenotypic and pathogenic diversity of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina strains question the representative nature of the type strain

A collection of 31 Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina strains isolated from Corylus maxima and C. avellana of different countries were assessed by means of repetitive PCR using ERIC, BOX and REP primer sets and analysis of whole-cell protein extracts; pathogenicity tests to three hazelnut ( C. avellana ) cultivars; and some key biochemical tests. From these studies, the X. arboricola pv. corylina strains were clustered into five and three groups by repetitive PCR and protein analysis, respectively, and by using UPGMA cluster analysis, with two strains forming an outlier group to these. The groups showed a high degree of similarity. Strain membership between the groups designed by the two methods exhibited a high degree of congruence, and diversity between the groups was low. Surprisingly, the two strains originating from C. maxima , that include the type strain NCPPB 935, formed the most distinctive group. No relationship to geographic origin of the strains was evident. All strains proved pathogenic towards three different hazelnut cultivars, although the strains obtained from C. maxima did not incite any significant symptoms on buds and twigs. No other relationships between rep-PCR and whole-cell protein groups and pathogenicity were evident. The distinctiveness of the C. maxima strains was supported further by atypical negative gelatin liquefaction test and reduced quinate metabolism results.     

Evaluation of triticale accessions for resistance to wheat bacterial leaf streak caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa

The bacterium Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa (Xtu) causes bacterial leaf streak (BLS) on wheat and other small grains. Several triticale accessions were reported to possess high levels of resistance to wheat Xtu strains. In this study, a worldwide collection of triticale accessions as well as the major North Dakota hard red spring and durum wheat cultivars were evaluated for reaction to two local Xtu strains. All wheat cultivars showed a susceptible reaction but a wide range of reactions was observed among triticale accessions. Out of the 502 accessions tested, 45 and 10 accessions were resistant to the two virulent strains BLS‐LB10 and BLS‐P3, respectively, with five accessions, PI 428736, PI 428854, PI 428913, PI 542545 and PI 587229, being highly resistant to both strains. Statistical analysis showed significant difference among the accessions, strains, and the accession by strain interaction (P < 0.001). Bacterial population growth in resistant triticale was significantly slower than that in susceptible triticale. Molecular cytogenetic characterization in four representative triticale accessions confirmed the hexaploid level of the species and the presence of 12 or 14 rye chromosomes. The triticale accessions identified are valuable materials for developing wheat germplasm with high levels of BLS resistance.     

Genotype × environment Effects on Severity of Cassava Bacterial Blight Disease caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis

Nine cassava genotypes were grown for three years at six sites representing three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria to study their reaction to cassava bacterial blight (CBB), investigate genotype × environment (G × E) interaction patterns for their reaction to CBB, and to identify genotypes with stability to the disease, using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) statistical model. Environments, genotypes and G × E interactions accounted for 71.8%, 12.0% and 16.2% of the treatment sums of squares (SS), and were highly significant (P<0.0001) for the disease, indicating that genotypes responded differentially to CBB infection across environments. Clones 30555, 91934, U/41044, and 4(2)1425 showed the least CBB disease ratings. Other clones showed erratic and fluctuating reactions to CBB from environment to environment and were thus considered unstable to the disease. CBB was most severe in 1989 (with a mean score of 2.46) and least so in 1990 (with a score of 2.06). The sites with the most disease were Ibadan, Ilorin and Ubiaja (1989), Ibadan and Ubiaja (1990) and Mokwa (1991). Because of the favourable conditions for disease development at those sites, they could be appropriate for screening cassava genotypes for CBB resistance. The AMMI model selected AMMI1 as the best predictor for CBB because it had the smallest actual root mean square prediction difference (0.37646), and explained 90.7% of the G × E interaction for CBB. The AMMI model was successful in selecting the genotypes 30555, U/41044 and 4(2)1425 and the environments Ibadan 1989, Ilorin 1989 and Onne 1990 with stability of reaction to the disease.     

国外新引进水稻品种（系）对我国水稻白叶枯病致病型的抗性反应

采用成株期人工剪叶接种鉴定方法,评价451份新引进的国外水稻新品种（系）对我国田间流行的5个水稻白叶枯病致病型的抗性反应。结果显示国际水稻研究所新材料是水稻白叶枯病重要的抗源。本试验还筛选出一批抗性较好的抗性材料,可供育种家在选配亲本时选用。     

Survival of the Anthurium Blight Pathogen, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Dieffenbachiae, in Field Crop Residues

Bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (Xad), is a major threat to the anthurium cut flower industry worldwide. Two field trials in Hawaii evaluated the long-term persistence of Xad in artificially-infested crop residues. Xad survived in leaf, petiole, and root residues for as long as 4 months when tissues were left on the surface or buried 15cm deep. Survival was considerably shorter (approximately 20 days) outside of residues. Xad that was recovered from residues over a period of 4 months retained pathogenicity. Xad was isolated from living roots of naturally-infected plants which further suggests that roots left in the field after culling may be particularly important, but overlooked, inoculum source. This information is key to determining minimum fallow periods before replanting devastated fields.     

Molecular characterization,comparison of screening methods,and evaluation of cross‐pathogenicity of black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) strains from cabbage,choy sum,leafy mustard and pak choi from Taiwan

Choy sum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis), leafy mustard (Brassica juncea) and pak choi (B. rapa var. chinensis) are highly nutritious components of diets in Taiwan and other Asian countries, and bacterial black rot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a major biotic constraint in these crops. As very little was known about the Xcc strains from these crops in these regions, including their cross‐pathogenicity and aggressiveness on different hosts, Xcc strains were obtained from cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), choy sum, leafy mustard and pak choi crops in Taiwan. Two previously published PCR‐based assays reliably distinguished the Xcc strains from other Xanthomonas species and subspecies. Phylogenetic analysis based on repetitive sequence‐based PCR assays placed the Xcc strains in a clade distinct from other Xanthomonas species, and also showed host specificity. Although all of the Xcc strains from the different host species were pathogenic on all five Brassica test species in both a detached leaf assay and an intact plant assay, in the intact plant assay they showed differences in virulence or aggression on the different test hosts. The Xcc strains from leafy mustard and pak choi were consistently highly aggressive on all the test host genotypes, but the strains from choy sum and cabbage were less aggressive on leafy mustard and choy sum. The intact plant assay proved more discriminating and reliable than the detached leaf assay for comparing the aggressiveness of Xcc strains on different host genotypes, and so, with the new Xcc strains isolated in this study, will be useful for screening leafy brassica germplasm accessions for resistance to black rot.     

Molecular characterization of the incitant of cowpea bacterial blight and pustule, Xanthomonas campestris pv. vignicola

Strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vignicola (Xcv), isolated from cowpea leaves with blight or minute pustules and collected from various geographic areas, were selected on the basis of pathological and physiological features. All strains were analyzed for genotypic markers by two methods: ribotyping with EcoRI endonuclease, and RFLP analysis with a plasmid probe (pthB) containing a gene required for pathogenicity from Xanthomonas campestris pv. manihotis. Ribotyping revealed a unique pattern for all the strains that corresponded to the previously described ribotype rRNA7. Based on polymorphism detected by pthB among Xcv strains, nine haplotypes were defined. The observed genetic variation was independent of the geographic origin of the strains and of pathogenic variation. Some haplotypes were widely distributed, whereas others were localized. In some cases, we could differentiate strains isolated from blight symptoms and pustules according to haplotypic composition. However, in most cases, no significant differences were observed. Our results and the previous pathogenic and biochemical characterizations suggest that the strains isolated from leaves with blight symptoms or minute pustules belong to the same pathovar. We provide information on pathogen diversity that can be used to identify and characterize resistant germplasm.     

Characterization of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) isolated from France and assignment of Psa biovar 4 to a de novo pathovar: Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidifoliorum pv. nov.

Since 2008, bacterial canker of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa and A. chinensis) caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) has resulted in severe economic losses worldwide. Four biovars of Psa can be distinguished based on their biochemical, pathogenicity and molecular characteristics. Using a range of biochemical, molecular and pathogenicity assays, strains collected in France since the beginning of the outbreak in 2010 were found to be genotypically and phenotypically diverse, and to belong to biovar 3 or biovar 4. This is the first time that strains of biovar 4 have been isolated outside New Zealand or Australia. A multilocus sequence analysis based on four housekeeping genes (gapA, gltA, gyrB and rpoD) was performed on 72 strains representative of the French outbreak. All the strains fell into two phylogenetic groups: one clonal corresponding to biovar 3, and the other corresponding to biovar 4. This second phylogenetic group was polymorphic and could be divided into four lineages. A clonal genealogy performed with a coalescent approach did not reveal any common ancestor for the 72 Psa strains. Strains of biovar 4 are substantially different from those of the other biovars: they are less aggressive and cause only leaf spots whereas Psa biovars 1, 2 and 3 also cause canker and shoot die‐back. Because of these pathogenic differences, which were supported by phenotypic, genetic and phylogenetic differences, it is proposed that Psa biovar 4 be renamed Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidifoliorum pv. nov. Strain CFBP 8039 is designated as the pathotype strain.     

A study on the molecular mechanism of resistance to amicarthiazol in Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri

Three amicarthiazol-resistant mutants (Xuv10, Xuv20 and Xuv40) were obtained by UV induction and used in this study. Minimal inhibition concentrations (MICs) of amicarthiazol against the growth of mutants and wild-type isolate were 400 and 100 microg ml(-1) respectively. Inhibition by amicarthiazol of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities of Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri (Hasse) Dye wild-type isolate (Xcc) and three resistant mutants derived from this isolate were assayed using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). The SDH activities of these mutants were significantly lower than that of Xcc. The complete nucleotide sequences of four subunits (SdhA, SdhB, SdhC and SdhD) of succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR) were cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. An amino acid mutation (His229--> Leu229) in sdhB was found to confer resistance of X. campestris pv. citri to amicarthiazol. It is suggested that this mutation alters the SDH complex in some way that prevents binding of amicarthiazol.