A Biochemical Test for Crown Gall Bacteria

Abstract

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is the agent for crown gall disease of several plants, thus causing serious economic losses in many countries. Except for its phytopathogenic action, it does not display any characteristic physiological or morphological properties. Its final identification is established by experimentally induced tumours, a procedure which often demands too much time for quick intervention in an epidemic. A quick, easy and specific identification test would be very useful. We wish, therefore, to report that Agrobacterium tumefaciens and A. radiobacter produce 3-ketoglycosides from the corresponding disaccharides and bionic acids. We propose a test based on this property, which is very simple, can be carried out in any phytopathological laboratory with ordinary glassware and chemicals, gives a result after 1–2 days and is, so far as we can judge from our present experience, limited to members of the genus Agrobacterium.