Characterization of Pantoea agglomerans Strains Isolated from Olive Knot disease in Morocco

Abstract

On the base of prospecting conducted during the agriculture season 2012-2013, the results revealed that the olive knot disease caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv.savastanoi was observed in different olive groves in Morocco. The disease incidence varies with location and cultivar. However, high disease incidence was reported in Taounate, Ouazzane and Meknes. The biochemical and the molecular tests were revealed the presence of saprophytic bacteria; Pantoea agglomerans, Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., associated with Pseudomonas savastanoi pv.savastanoi. Moreover, a hypersensitive reaction on tobacco leaves caused by Pantoea agglomerans strains (2074-1 and 2074-4) was noted. Nonetheless, the strain of Pantoea agglomerans (2066-7) did not affect the tobacco leaves.