Acidovorax citrulli (bacterial fruit blotch)

Abstract

This datasheet on Acidovorax citrulli covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Vectors & Intermediate Hosts, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Seedborne Aspects, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

DETECTION OF Acidovorax citrulli IN WATERMELON SEEDLINGS IN HOPELCHÉN, CAMPECHE, MEXICO

“…In turn, Wang et al (2012) note that the A. citrulli and A. oryzae species are closely related and are not easy to differentiate. The comparison of the consensus sequences of the 360 bp band allowed verifying the identity of A. citrulli; therefore, it is concluded that the dark sunken and elongated lesions on the cotyledonal leaves, as well as the black lesions extended from the margin to the base on the true leaves observed in the seedlings of the samples that aligned with A. citrulli, were caused by this bacterium (Osdaghi, 2022) (Table 1, Figure 1), while the dry, yellow and dark lesions are attributed to the other Acidovorax species identified here (Figure 2).…”

“…A. citrulli causes seedling blight and bacterial fruit blotch of cucurbits (Burdman and Walcott, 2012). It is a Gram-negative seed-borne bacterium with a high potential for destruction, capable of causing losses of up to 100 % in watermelon nurseries and plantations under favorable environmental conditions of hot weather (temperatures between 28 and 32 °C, relative humidity above 60 %, and sunny days with heavy rains), which promote its multiplication and dissemination (Elizalde-Jiménez et al, 2011;Osdaghi, 2022). Elizalde-Jiménez et al (2011) conducted a NAPPFAST geospatial analysis, which indicated that the southeastern region of Mexico has favorable environmental conditions for the establishment of A. citrulli.…”

“…Part of this area includes the southeastern zone reported by Elizalde-Jiménez et al (2011). In tours conducted between 2017 and 2018 through watermelon production fields of small producers and commercial nurseries in the municipality of Hopelchén, Campeche, freshly harvested fruits of the watermelon variety Charleston and watermelon plants with typical symptoms of bacterial fruit blotch were observed (Osdaghi, 2022). The fruits exhibited surface cracks surrounded by watery lesions, rotting, and release of effervescent exudate as a type of amber "foam", as well as "bursting" of the edible part.…”