Ralstonia solanacearum: Isolation in culture; Molecular diagnosis (PCR). 

Information 20/03/14.

Ralstonia solanacearum is a Gram - negative bacteria, aerobic, mobile by a group of polar flagella that colonizes vascularization (xylem) of many varieties of plants, causing bacterial wilt. Currently it considered one of the most important plant pathogens by the large number of plant species that may affect (250), wide geographical distribution (tropical, subtropical and temperate zones) and their persistence in infected fields.

This bacteria survive long in water and land, so that infected land can not be used for growing susceptible plants for several years. This bacteria spread from the roots of infected, symptomatic or asymptomatic plants, and can infect other plants through penetration by contamination of agricultural implements, irrigation water, seeds infected, or insect vectors that feed in plants, making it difficult to eradicate.

Thanks to the mobility that has the bacteria, penetrates, multiplies and spreads throughout the plant, before symptoms appear, causing systemic infection. In cases of bacterial wilt, a large number of bacteria in the xylem (vascularization), together with the accumulation of extracellular polysaccharides and other degradation products from the cell walls of plants, such as gels and tyloses (thickeners) produced by plant to try to contain the infection, which causes vascular dysfunction, which leads to a water shortage in the plant.

Among the most common crops are affected tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, olives, bananas, snuff and geraniums, so it is a great economic loss.

       Tests in IVAMI:

• Culture and identification.
• molecular PCR detection.

Recommended sample:

• affected plant, soil, irrigation water, sludge, as appropriate.

Preservation and shipment of sample:

• Conservation refrigerated.
• Shipping: room temperature for less than 24 hours.

Response time

• 48 to 96 hours.

Cost of the test:

Consult ivami@ivami.com