Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Incidence of pomegranate bacterial blight (teliya) caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv punicae (Xap). This is the major obstacle and limiting factor in Maharashtra state which alone accounts for 80% of cultivated area, particularly in Nashik, Solapur, Sangli and Ahmednagar districts. Bacterial blight infection results in water soaked oily spot symptoms on leaves and fruits which consequently decreases fruit production and market value. Severity of incidence and losses varies among different isolates and existing climatic conditions. In highly infected orchards the extent of damage goes as high as 80-100%. Although general studies on the pathology and management of this disease conducted earlier. There is still scanty literature known about detailed taxonomic classification, molecular diagnosis and control practices of this pathogen. Management of Xap can be achieved by chemicals, but not a permanent solution and also is not eco-friendly. It is necessary to identify the pathovars of bacterial blight through biochemical and molecular characterization. Along with biochemical characterization recent techniques like RT-PCR, multiplex-PCR, nested-PCR are helpful for this propose. It will help to find out the role of different bio-control agents (antibiotics and plant extracts), in order to find a control strategy for bacterial blight.

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