FAME Analysis Research Articles

Catalytic hydrothermal processing of lipids using metal doped zeolites

A range of vegetable oils with different lipid compositions have been processed under hydrothermal conditions in the presence of transition metal doped zeolites (containing molybdenum, chromium, cobalt and iron). The lipids processed include sunflower, soybean, jatropha, palm and linseed oils over a temperature and pressure range of 250–350 °C and 12–17 MPa respectively. The products have been analyzed using a combination of GC-MS, FAME analysis, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and simulated distillation (using thermogravimetric analysis TGA). Hydrothermal processing of lipids results in the hydrolysis of the triglycerides at low temperatures. Lipids high in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid promote cross linking and cyclization reactions resulting in “heavier molecular weight” wax-like material. Saturated fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acids are more stable. Some of the catalysts, such as un-doped zeolite (HZSM-5) and molybdenum doped zeolite (MoZSM-5) favor the formation of alkenes and aromatic compounds in the kerosene and gasoline boiling point range.

A flaxseed oil emulgel formulation for prospective food applications synthesis and characterization

Plant oil formulations have been effective for the production of encapsulating systems that could be used for the oral delivery of various bioactives to achieve nutritive and therapeutic effects. These kinetically stable formulations prevent the degradation of such actives and also enhance their bioavailability. In this context, synthesis of a flaxseed oil-alkyl polyglucoside based formulation was carried out and its ultrasonication under a set of optimized conditions was employed to reduce the particle size of this emulsion. The ultrasonication conditions were optimized with respect to duty cycle, time, cavitation intensity and amplitude. Physiochemical characterization and FAME analysis of the oil were carried out. The final formulation was characterized for particle size, zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility. FTIR spectra identified different functional groups in the base constituents and also the presence of extensive hydrogen bonding in the formulation. Its SEM analysis showed well dispersed oil globules in water. The rheological studies of the formulations with respect to relevant parameters like hysteresis loop areas, yield stress, consistency and pseudoplasticity indices revealed non-Newtonian thixotropic behavior and shear thinning feature that contribute to good flow characteristics. Thus, it is inferred that this formulation could serve as an excellent base matrix for potential food applications.

α-Chymotrypsin regulates free fatty acids and UCHL-1 to ameliorate N-methyl nitrosourea induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of α-chymotrypsin on methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats. Animals were randomized into four groups (six animals in each). Group I (sham control 0.9% normal saline p.o.); Group II (toxic control, MNU 47mg/kg, i.v.); Group III (α-chymotrypsin, 5mg/kg, p.o.); Group IV (α-chymotrypsin, 10mg/kg p.o.). Toxicity was induced by single i.v. injection of MNU followed by α-chymotrypsin supplementation therapy for 100days. MNU treatment was evident with increased alveolar bud count, differentiation score, upregulated inflammatory enzymes markers (COX, LOX and NO) antioxidative stress markers (TBARs, SOD, catalase and GSH).MNU associated toxicity was also ascertained by PGP 9.5 and NF-κB expression in the mammary gland tissue followed by FAME analysis for fatty acid profiling. α-chymotrypsin afforded significant protection against the deleterious effects of MNU.

Optimizing the Critical Factors for Lipid Productivity during Stress Phased Heterotrophic Microalgae Cultivation

Microalgae-derived biodiesel/biofuel is one of the promising and sustainable processes. In order to study the influence of different factors viz., pH, temperature, salinity and carbon concentration that influences the microalgae lipids and carbohydrate productivity Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) experimental design (DOE) was used with variation at four levels (21×44). Experiments were performed with allegorical batch experimental matrix [16 experimental trails]. Salinity, temperature, carbon concentration and pH showed marked influence on lipid production whereas temperature and carbon concentration showed major influence on carbohydrate production. Higher lipid productivity (55%) was observed with experimental condition six (pH: 6; Salinity: 1 g/l; Temperature: 20 OC; Carbon concentration: 30 g/l). FAME analysis revealed the highest number of Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (C12:0 to C24:0) was detected with experimental set up six and eight more favoring the biodiesel properties.

Isolation of Lipid Producing Organisms and Their Properties as Biofuel

The research project was performed to isolate single cell oil producing organisms and study its application for production of biofuel. Microorganisms were isolated from natural samples like fertile soil, lake water from two different places, mangrove soil, and sewage. The lipid content of cells was predicted using Sudan IV stain. Two isolates were selected for GC-MS for FAME analysis of both samples out of which one of the isolate (PDA 1) showed presence of palmitic acid (C16: 0) (2.72%) in results obtained. In this work, organic (peptone) and inorganic (NH4Cl) nitrogen sources were evaluated along with glucose as carbon source for isolate PDA 1. Isolate PDA 1 was identified to be Enterobacter asburiae. It was observed that complex organic nitrogen source like peptone showed more amount of lipid production. Cetane number was calculated considering palmitic acid composition. By using a more suitable medium for isolation of oleaginous microorganisms more amount of lipid production can be obtained and could have application for production of biofuel if their fatty acid composition shows values significant for use as biofuel.

A novel series of C18–C22 trans ω3 PUFA from Northern and Southern Hemisphere strains of the marine haptophyte Imantonia rotunda

A series of novel C18–C22trans ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with a single trans double bond in the ω3 position was found in Northern and Southern Hemisphere strains of the marine haptophyte Imantonia rotunda. The novel ω3 PUFA were identified as 18:3(9c,12c,15t) (0.2–1.8 % of total fatty acids), 18:4(6c,9c,12c,15t) (1.9–4.1 %), 18:5 (3c,6c,9c,12c,15t) (0.7–8.8 %), 20:5(5c,8c,11c,14c,17t) (1.2–4.1 %) and 22:6(4c,7c,10c,13c,16c,19t) (0.3–4.3 %), and were accompanied by larger proportions of the all cis isomers: 18:3ω3(9,12,15) (2.7–3.5 %), 18:4ω3(6,9,12,15) (9.3–14.3 %), 18:5ω3(3,6,9,12,15) (7.8–18.5 %), 20:5ω3(5,8,11,14,17) (3.2–3.9 %), 22:5ω3(7,10,13,16,19) (0.1–0.3 %) and 22:6ω3(4,7,10,13,16,19) (2.3–5.2 %). GC analysis of FAME using a non-polar column did not reveal the trans isomers as they coeluted with the all cis PUFA. However, GC using a polar column resolved the trans PUFA from the all cis PUFA, with the trans isomers eluting before the all cis isomers. GC-MS of FAME fractionated by argentation solid-phase chromatography confirmed the molecular ions of all components. FAME were derivatized to form 4,4-dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) derivatives, and GC-MS revealed the same double bond positions for each trans and cis FAME. The results suggest that the ω3 trans double bond originated from the Δ15/ω3 desaturation of 18:2(9c,12c), suggesting that this desaturase has dual cis/trans activity in these species. These results indicate that 18:3(9c,12c,15 t) was the precursor trans isomer produced for the trans series and further desaturation by the common Δ6 desaturase to produce the trans tetraene and successive elongations and desaturations led to the subsequent series of trans ω3 PUFA isomers. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these trans ω3 isomers occurring in strains of I. rotunda. These trans ω3 PUFA may be used as biomarkers in marine food webs for this species and with their unique structure may be biologically active.

Critical parametric influence on microalgae cultivation towards maximizing biomass growth with simultaneous lipid productivity

Enhancing microalgae biomass productivity through different abiotic and environmental factors optimization is crucial. Design of experimental (DOE) methodology using Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) was studied to evaluate the specific influence of eight important factors (light, pH, temperature, carbon concentration, nitrates, phosphates, magnesium ion concentration and carbon source) on the biomass production using three levels of factor (21 × 37) variation with experimental matrix [L18-18 experimental trails]. All the factors were assigned with three levels except light illumination (21). Substantial influence on biomass productivity is observed with carbon concentration contributing 16.8%, followed by nitrates 12.8% and light 9.3%. Experimental setup eight (Light, pH-8.5, Temperature 25°C, Carbon concentration 10 g/l, nitrates 1.5 g/l, phosphates 0 g/l, magnesium 150 mg/l, Carbon source (glucose)) showed maximum biomass growth (5.26 g/l) and good substrate degradation (63%, COD removal efficiency) contributing to carbohydrate production (257 mg/g biomass) which is further converted to lipids (20% Total lipid and 10% Neutral lipids). Chlorophyll (a, b), carbohydrates composition, FAME analysis for lipid percentage were monitored during process operation. Elemental analysis reveals that the carbon to hydrogen and oxygen ratio present in dried algal biomass can be hydrothermally liquefied (HTL) to produce biocrude.

Improvement of lipid content of Chlorella minutissima MCC 5 for biodiesel production

Lipids extracted from microalgae have been considered as a potential source for the production of biodiesel. Enhancement of lipid has the limitations of low biomass productivity. So, the main objective of the present study was to deduce suitable conditions for the improvement of biomass production followed by enhancement of lipid content. After optimization, a strategy for two stage cultivation was utilized where high lipid content was obtained with a high biomass concentration. Optimization of biomass production of Chlorella minutissima MCC 5 was carried out under different intensities of light, temperatures, concentrations of nitrate and phosphate using Taguchi model. A suitable synergy of the four parameters yielded maximum biomass (1.93gL(-1)) in airlift reactor. Temperature was found to be relatively effective than other parameters for higher biomass production. Activation energy for the cell growth was determined (47.95kJmol(-1)). Among the various (photo, thermal, nitrate and phosphate) stress conditions studied, nitrate limitation (1mM) was found to be suitable for the enhancement of lipid resulting highest yield (48.26%w/w). Two stage cultivation of the microalgae yielded a maximum lipid content of 46% w/w with a biomass concentration of 2.2gL(-1). Additionally, FAME analysis exhibited significant increase of oleic acid in the biodiesel. So, C. minutissima MCC 5 cultivated under nitrate stress could be a possible feedstock for biodiesel production.

Characterization and control of symbiotic Bacillus cereus isolated from the mid gut of Anopheles subpictus Grassi.

An investigation was done to find out the role of gut bacterium on the larval development and survival of Anopheles subpictus, the vector responsible for the transmission of malaria. An. subpictus mosquitoes breed exclusively in stagnant water, including shrimp/fish ponds with high nutrient level. One bacterial strain (CX2) was isolated from the midgut of late third instar of mosquito larvae. The bacterial isolate was sensitive to recommended doses of tetracyclin (30µg/disc), doxycycline (30µg/disc), kanamycin (30µg/disc), gentamycin (10µg/disc), streptomycin (10µg/disc), vancomycin (30µg/disc), ofloxacin (5µg/disc), levofloxacin (5µg/disc), gatifloxacin (10µg/disc), but resistant to ampicillin (10µg/disc).The larvae which were fed with the mixture of two antibiotics tetracylin (30µg/disc) and doxycyclin (30µg/disc) (1:1) could not survive in rice-field water. In the control experiments without any antibiotic treatment, 95-100% survival and 95% adult emergence were observed. The study indicates that the elimination of gut bacteria suppressed larval growth. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence was also done. Based on the morphological, biochemical, FAME analysis and phylogenetic analysis, the bacterial isolate CX2 was identified as Bacillus cereus. Poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that the isolate showed discrete bands ranging from 24.272 to 60.049kDa proteins. Water extract and methanol extract of Tamarindus indica showed inhibitory effect against B. cereus.

Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil: An Intended Placebo with Unexpected Adverse Effects

Background: Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is a synthetic oil made from medium chain C8 and C10 fatty acids. It has been traditionally used as a neutral “placebo” in lipid clinical trials. Thus, we had selected MCT oil capsules as a placebo, intended for comparison with an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid containing supplement, to measure fatty acid profiles and inflammation in healthy people. Methods: The trial was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo controlled trial with cross-over, 4 weeks each study arm. Using serum, the fatty acids were measured and analysed by FAME analysis. HDL and LDL cholesterol profiles and C-reactive protein as a measure of inflammation were also quantified. Blood samples were collected at each time point, and participants assessed for serum lipid profiles. Results: The outcomes of interest were taken from the differences between measures for each phase of the trial. There were no significant changes in HDL or LDL cholesterol in this time, and CRP also showed no significant changes. However, levels of the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) showed significant decreases after MCT supplementation. Conclusion: These results revealed an unexpectedly adverse effect of the MCT oil. Such comparisons raise questions about the use of MCT oil as a placebo, as it was not neutral in its effect on blood lipid biomarkers. The results have ramifications for claims made about the positive benefits of MCT oils.

A greenHibiscus cannabinusoil emollient cream for potential topical applications

A green emollient cream with Hibiscus cannabinus seed oil and an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant has been formulated. It can serve as biological alternatives to synthetic formulations that normally incorporate chemical constituents as surfactants and stabilizers mainly to increase consumer compliance in terms of textural and visual aesthetics. FAME analysis of the oil showed the presence octanoic and decanoic acids. The cream after formulation and ultrasonication, presented a smooth and soft appearance with visual and textural appeal. It showed a mean particle size of 138 nm with a zeta potential of -59.2 mV and an electrophoretic mobility of 0.000459 cm2/Vs. Its SEM image projected well dispersed oil globules in water. FTIR spectrum showed extensive hydrogen bonding. Accelerated stability tests under conditions of freeze thawing, heating cooling and centrifugation revealed no cracking, creaming or phase separation. Similar results were observed during the shelf life studies. It is concluded that this Hibiscus cannabinus cream can be utilized as an emollient base for loading cosmopharmaceutic ingredients for their topical delivery, without any toxicity concerns, as it is formulated from completely natural constituents.

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ТА ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЯ ПАТОГЕННИХ ДЛЯ ШКІДНИКА ГРИБІВ BRADISIA PILISTRIATA FREY ШТАМІВ BACILLUS SP. ONU15 ТА BACILLUS SP. ONU29

By the methods of FAMES analysis, multiplex PCR with group-specific primers, phase-contrast microscopy, electron microscopy, plasmids profile detection, SDS-PAGE, gradient ultracentrifugation and RAPD with M13 Bacillus sp. ONU15 and Bacillus sp. ONU29 strains active against Bradisia pilistriata Frey were identified and characterized. Fatty acids composition and multiplex reaction products make it possible to identify the strain as Bacillus thuringiensis. The strains are heterogenic according to whole cell proteins and plasmids composition and also as RAPD amplification products developed with M13 primer.

Biomass and lipid enhancement in Chlorella sp. with emphasis on biodiesel quality assessment through detailed FAME signature

In this study, the concentrations of MgSO4, salinity and light intensity were optimised for maximum biomass productivity and lipid content in Chlorella sp. Lipid synthesized at varied experimental conditions was also assessed in detail for biodiesel properties through FAME analysis. FAMEs mainly composed of C16:0, C16:1(9), C16:3(7, 10, 13), C18:0, C18:1(11), C18:2(9, 12), C18:3(9, 12, 15). The optimum biomass productivity (372.50mgL−1d−1) and lipid content (32.57%) was obtained at MgSO4-150ppm; salinity-12.5ppm, and light intensity-25μmolm−2s−1. However, at this condition the cetane number, a major biodiesel property was not complying with worldwide biodiesel standard. Therefore, further optimisations were done to check the suitability of biodiesel fuel. The optimum biomass productivity (348.47mgL−1d−1) and lipid content (12.43%) with suitable biodiesel fuel properties was obtained at MgSO4-50ppm, salinity-25ppm and light intensity-100μmolm−2s−1. The validation experiments confirmed the closeness of predicted and measured response values.

MOLECULAR-BIOLOGYCAL CHARACHTERISTICS AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACILLUS SP. ONU14 STRAIN WITH ENTOMOPATHOGENIC ACTIVITY

Aim. To study molecular-biological characteristics and Bacillus sp. ONU14 strain with entomopathogenic activity against mushrooms pest Bradisia pilistriata Frey. Methods. The identification methods were FAMES analysis by GC with MIDI Sherlock identification system and multiplex PCR with group-specific primers. The molecularbiological characteristics were studied with phase-contrast microscopy, electron microscopy, SDS-PAGE and gradient ultracentrifugation. Results. Fatty acids composition and multiplex reaction products identify the strain as Bacillus thuringiensis. Intracellular crystals have irregular shape and form protoxins with 65 and 25 kDa. Conclusions. Endospore-forming Bacillus sp. ONU14 strain with entomopathogenic activity was characterized by the microbiological and molecular-biological methods. Fatty acids composition and multiplex PCR reaction identified it as Bacillus thuringiensis.

Characterization of Shrimp Oil from Pandalus borealis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and High Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, was recovered from the cooking water of shrimp processing facilities. The oil contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in triglyceride form, along with substantial long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). It also features natural isomeric forms of astaxanthin, a nutritional carotenoid, which gives the oil a brilliant red color. As part of our efforts in developing value added products from waste streams of the seafood processing industry, we present in this paper a comprehensive characterization of the triacylglycerols (TAGs) and astaxanthin esters that predominate in the shrimp oil by using HPLC-HRMS and MS/MS, as well as 13C-NMR. This approach, in combination with FAME analysis, offers direct characterization of fatty acid molecules in their intact forms, including the distribution of regioisomers in TAGs. The information is important for the standardization and quality control, as well as for differentiation of composition features of shrimp oil, which could be sold as an ingredient in health supplements and functional foods.

Plant Growth Promoting Activity, Induction of Systemic Resistance and Control of Collar Rot Disease in Arachis hypogaea L. by a Novel Pseudomonas species.

Induction of systemic resistance in Arachis hypogaea L. by an agriculturally useful bacteria was studied. 25 bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil of groundnut plants grown in Junagadh region of Gujarat. The plant growth promoting and antagonistic activity (against A. niger) of all these bacteria were compared and a bacterium with high level of siderophore, GA3, IAA, ammonia and ACC deaminase producing and phosphate, zinc and potassium solubilizing ability was selected to study its effect on plants. This bacterium promotes the germination of seedlings from 65-88 % to 82-94 %. It could also recover the A. niger infected seedlings. The generation of ISR was evident as its treatment increased Phenyl alanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, lipoxygenase, jasmonic acid, β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activities in GG20 and GG2 varieties of A. hypogaea L. seedlings. The bacterized seeds sowed in field, reduced the disease incidence significantly in the plants challenged with A. niger. Field survivability was found to be 15 days. To identify this bacteria, 16s rRNA gene was isolated, sequenced and subjected to BLAST, which showed 99% analogy with P. plecoglossicida, P. monteilii, P. putida and P. mosselii. Results of biochemical and FAME analysis differed from P. plecoglossicida, P. monteilii, P. putida and P. mosselii, which showed that this is a novel bacteria. The bacterium was found to promote plant growth in field studies and could be useful.

Determination of fatty acids and stable carbon isotopic ratio in subcutaneous fat to identify the feeding regime of Iberian pigs.

Discrimination among the types of feeding regimes for Iberian pigs is currently a highly demanded challenge by the Iberian pig sector. In the present research, discrimination among feeding regimes has been achieved by the combination of two analytical methods (based on FAMEs analysis by GC-FID and determination of δ(13)C by IRMS) previously used independently without success. In the present study, 80 samples of adipose tissue from Iberian pigs subjected to four different feedings were analyzed. The study of the variables more influenced by the feeding regime has allowed us to configure panels of markers with predictive power for the studied feedings by multivariate ROC analysis. The results provided values of specificity and sensitivity higher than 85% in most cases. The statistical combination of results from different analytical methods could be the key to develop models for the correct discrimination of Iberian pigs according to the feeding regime.

Interactive analysis of a building fame resting on pile foundation

The study deals with the physical modeling of a typical single storeyed building frame resting on pile foundation and embedded in cohesive soil mass using the finite element based software SAP-IV. Two groups of piles comprising two and three piles, with series and parallel arrangement thereof, are considered. The slab provided at top and bottom of the frame along with the pile cap is idealized as four noded and two dimensional thin shell elements. The beams and columns of the frame, and piles are modeled using two noded one dimensional beam-column element. The soil is modeled using closely spaced discrete linear springs. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the effect of various parameters of the pile foundation, such as spacing in a group and number of piles in a group, on the response of superstructure. The response considered includes the displacement at the top of the frame and bending moment in columns. The soil-structure interaction effect is found to increase the displacement in the range of 38 -133% and to increase the absolute maximum positive and negative moments in the column in the range of 2-12% and 2-11%. The effect of the soil- structure interaction is observed to be significant for the type of foundation and soil considered in this study. The results obtained are compared further with those of Chore et al. (2010), wherein different idealizations were used for modeling the superstructure frame and sub-structure elements (foundation). While fair agreement is observed in the results in either study, the trend of the results obtained in both studies is also same.

Produksi Biodisel dari Minyak Jelantah Menggunakan Katalis Asam padat (Nafion/SiO2)

Production of biodisel from waste cooking oil (WCO) was performed using a double catalyst Nafion/SiO 2 as esterification catalyst and NaOH is used as transesterification catalyst . Study was conducted through three stages:as well as synthesis of Nafion/SiO 2 solid acid catalyst, the synthesis of biodisel using a single catalyst (NaOH) and the synthesis of biodisel using a catalyst (Nafion/SiO 2 and NaOH). Solid acid catalyst is made of Nafion 5 wt.% solution and the (Tetra Ethoxy Ortho silicate, TEOS) using solution phase sol-gel method to produce Nafion/SiO 2 . Furthermore Nafion/SiO 2 was applied as esterification catalyst. Esterification reaction conditions at temperatures of 75 o C and fixed reaction time of 45 minutes. The reaction is run at three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, thermometer and cooling water. Products are separated and the upper layer is used as a reactant of transesterification reaction using NaOH catalyst and results biodisel (FAME). Result analysis of physical properties, ie viscosity, density and flash point FAME meets the standard requirements of biodisel. Chemical characterization in the FAME show there are more than six kinds of methyl esters indicate that FAME was formed. The percentage of biodisel that is produced by using dual catalyst is higher compared to using a single catalyst proved that the solid acid catalyst plays an important role in converting the free fatty acid in to ester in the WCO.

First Report of Bacterial Blight of Pomegranate Caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae in Turkey.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an increasingly important fruit crop that is widely cultivated in Turkey. Typical bacterial blight symptoms were observed since spring of 2011 in pomegranate orchards located in Antalya Province. Symptoms were characterized by dark brown, angular to irregularly shaped spots on leaves and fruit; cankers on stems, branches, and trunks; and split trunks. The pathogen was isolated from leaf spots on naturally infected plants showing typical symptoms onto yeast dextrose chalk agar. Bright yellow bacterial colonies were consistently isolated. Bacterial strains were characterized as gram negative, oxidase negative, catalase positive, tobacco hypersensitivity positive, and able to produce acid from L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-glucose, and D-mannitol but not from D-xylose. Pathogenicity of the representative bacterial strain Serik-4 was performed on 2-year-old pomegranate plants cv. Hicaz. Leaves were sprayed until runoff with bacterial cell suspensions containing 107 CFU/ml. Inoculated plants were covered with transparent plastic bags to maintain moisture for 48 h. Negative control plants were inoculated with sterile distilled water. Plants were then incubated in a greenhouse at 30°C for 14 days. Symptoms on leaves included dark brown, angular to irregularly shaped water soaked lesions along the veins of the inoculated plants 10 days after inoculation. No lesions developed on the control plants. The symptoms on inoculated plants were similar to those on naturally infected plants. Yellow bacterial colonies were re-isolated from the inoculated plants and identified as the same as the original strain by conventional tests and FAME analysis, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Fatty acid methyl ester profiling of the representative strain Serik-4 using GC-MIDI (Microbial Identification Inc, Newark, DE) identified the genus of the bacterium as Xanthomonas. The identity of Serik-4 was further confirmed by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene with the universal primers 27F and 1492R (3) and sequence analysis (GenBank Accession No. KM007073). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of Serik-4 was 99% identical to the corresponding gene sequences of the Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae strain present in the NCBI database (JQ067629.1). High incidence of bacterial blight caused by X. axonopodis pv. punicae on pomegranate has been previously reported in India (2), Pakistan (1), and South Africa (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial blight on pomegranate caused by X. axonopodis pv. punicae in Turkey.