POLYPHASIC CHARACTERIZATION OF RALSTONIA PSEUDOSOLANACEARUM ASSOCIATED WITH BACTERIAL WILT OF BRINJAL IN EASTERN INDIA

Abstract

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex RSCC is a major constraint to brinjal production in India. Bacterial wilt samples of brinjal were collected from Cuttack, Odisha, India and the pathogen was isolated, identified and characterized. The infected plant had sudden wilting of green leaves, vascular browning and oozing when emerged in sterile water. The pathogen was isolated and named as ODRS19. The distinct colony characteristics were observed by growing the isolate ODRS19 on TZC, Nutrient Agar, and Kings B media. Biochemical characterisation by VITEK^®2 Automated microbial identification System confirmed that this isolate belongs to RSCC 16S rRNA gene sequencing identifies the isolate ODRS19 as Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. It was further classified as Race I based on the host range studies and Biovar III based on carbohydrate utilization patterns. The results of phylotype multiplex PCR indicated the specific 280 and 144 bp bands confirming this as phylotype I. Comprehensive characterization of this isolate helps to understand the characteristics of the pathogen in eastern India and will aid in formulating accurate diagnostic and management techniques for bacterial wilt of brinjal.