Plant Pathology Science

 Plant pathogenic bacteria have evolved specialized strategies to infect their hosts. In this regard, the key virulence factors are effector proteins, cell wall degrading enzymes, toxins, extracellular polysaccharides and phytohormones. The interactions between plant pathogenic bacteria and their hosts have resulted in an evolutionary system between host defense responses and pathogen virulence factors. Pathogenic bacteria are continually under pressure to diversify their mechanisms to prevent host defenses and optimize nutrient availability. In turn, these virulence mechanisms have shaped the evolution of plant innate immunity. In this paper, the pathogenicity and virulence factors of plant pathogenic bacteria are discussed.

Introduction: Citrus bacterial canker caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri is an economically important disease in many tropical and subtropical countries. Several pathotypes of this pathogen have been described which, in addition to certain genotypic features, are distinguished above all by their geographical origin and their host range. Citrus bacterial canker disease is wide spread in Iran and a major threat to the production of Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia). Therefore, management of citrus canker is inevitable in citrus growing areas where citrus canker has been established. Application of copper-based bactericides is a standard control measure for management of citrus canker worldwide. Therefore, their long-term use leads to the development of resistant isolates. Plant extracts and essential oils with an antimicrobial effect have become particularly important as an environmentally friendly method for the treatment of plant diseases. Many researchers have recently focused on studying plant extracts and essential oils that contain antimicrobial compounds. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out on the antibacterial effect of ‌Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Ginger (Zingiber offcinale), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Common sage (Salvia officinalis), Gum tragacanth (Astaragalus gossypinus), Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and True cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) against two pathotype of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Results: All essential oils have an inhibitory effect on multiplication of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. The antibacterial test results showed that the essential oils of Ginger and True cardamom strongly inhibited the growth of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri pathotype, especially the pathotype A*, whereas other essential oils showed moderate to weak activities. Conclusion: The essential oils of these eight plants, especially ginger and cardamom, have good potential for the management of citrus bacterial canker.

Algae are the most important plant growth stimulants due to their high content of minerals, amino acids, vitamins and growth regulators such as auxin, cytokinin and gibberellin. Use of these stimuli in crops can improve rooting, yield, photosynthetic capacity and their resistance to pathogens. Application of algae (mainly seaweeds) against various plant diseases including bacterial, fungal, viral and nematode diseases as well as pests has been proven. Seaweeds are used as a powder or extract mixed with soil, or foliar spray to control of plant diseases. They are usually involved in controlling plant pathogens by inducing plant resistance, antagonistic activity by induced activity of other microorganisms, and enhancing plant growth. In general, seaweeds can be applied as biofertilizers, biostimulators and soil amendments in integrated plant diseases management programs.

Introduction: Antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) seeds, Camelthorn  (Alhagi maurorum) fruit and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) leaves on eight bacteria and three fungi, which usually cause damage to agricultural products examined in this research. Material and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of selected plants in six concentrations on 11 microorganisms including, three gram-positive bacteria vs. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Rathayibacter toxicus, and five gram-negative bacteria vs. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas syringae subsp. syringae, Pseudomonas viridiflava, and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, as well as three fungi vs. Pyricularia oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea was measured using the disk diffusion method. Also, the antioxidant activity of the extracts of these  plants was evaluated by measuring the enzymes of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase and evaluating the ability to trap DPPH radicals. In addition, the amount of total phenols and flavonoids in these plants extracts were measured. Results: Methanolic extract of Colocynth seeds had the highest antibacterial activity, the highest activity of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes and the highest percentage of DPPH radical inhibition. Methanolic extracts of these plants had no effect on fungal colony growth. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of Colocynth seeds can be considered as potential sources of bactericides in agriculture.

Walnut is one of the most important fruit trees in Iran, which is always exposed to pathogens, especially bacteria. The three most important bacterial diseases of walnut in Iran are bacterial blight (Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis), skin cankers (Brenneria nigrifluens, Brenneria rubrifacians) and crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens). Bacteriological characteristics and pathogenicity of pathogenic bacteria, methods of managing these diseases, along with suggestions for identifying resistant genotypes of walnut trees by molecular methods are described in this article.