Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas syringae isolates affecting stone fruits and almond in Montenegro

Abstract In Montenegro, stone fruit species are grown on intensive and semi-intensive commercial plantations. However, almond production is mainly organized family gardens for household consumption. During two seasons (2017–2018), we surveyed apricot, peach, nectarine, sweet cherry, Japanese plum, orchards the presence of bacterial diseases at different geographical locations in Montenegro. From leaf, petiole lesions, branch or twig cankers, necrotizing buds, a total 29 isolates were obtained subjected to identification based their morphological, pathogenic, biochemical, molecular characteristics. Pathogenicity was confirmed by reproducing symptoms leaves, fruits, twigs corresponding host plants. The biochemical tests indicated that belong Pseudomonas syringae . isolates’ characterization showed variation phenotypic features. syrB gene ice nucleation activity grouped most within pathovar syringae. results rep-PCR using BOX primer revealed high genetic diversity isolates. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), four housekeeping genes, 27 genomic 1, P. sensu stricto, phylogroup 2. from same 2 did not form monophyletic group. One strain isolated apricot distinct similar members 2, 3. All tested significant levels resistance copper sulfate level sensitivity streptomycin vitro.