Abstract
The etiology of onion scale rot caused by bacteria in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil is unclear, which complicates disease control. Forty-five bacterial strains collected from the main onion producing regions in the states of Pernambuco and Bahia were identified by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and were characterized by rep-PCR and pathological behaviour on onion. The strains were grouped into three clades: 29 strains in clade I formed by the Burkholderia cepacia complex, 10 strains in clade II formed by Burkholderia gladioli, and six strains in clade III formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Rep-PCR analysis grouped the strains in 31 clusters at 70% similarity. However, it was not possible to identify the three clades by rep-PCR analysis. Inoculation of wounded onion scales showed that the strains from the B. cepacia complex and B. gladioli were more aggressive on onion scales than those from P. aeruginosa. Based on the phylogenetic identification performed in this study, we conclude that scale rot of onion bulb in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil is caused by bacteria from the B. cepacia complex, B. gladioli, and P. aeruginosa. In addition, more than one species of B. cepacia complex may be associated with the disease in this region.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
