Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Phytopathology, cilt.173, sa.6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Pseudomonas syringae pv. atrofaciens, a seed-borne pathogen causing basal glume rot, leads to significant wheat yield losses. While this pathogen has been reported in several countries, its presence in Türkiye remains undocumented. This study aimed to isolate and identify P. syringae pv. atrofaciens from wheat seed samples collected during the 2022–2023 harvest season in Yozgat Province, Türkiye. A total of 200 wheat seed lots were collected, of which 125 lots (62.5%) showed signs of infection, including black discoloration at the basal end of the grains. Bacterial isolation on King's B medium led to the purification of the 55 green-blue fluorescent colonies, with 17 isolates confirmed as pathogenic through bioassay tests on wheat leaves. Molecular identification was first performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, followed by 16S rDNA and rpoD gene sequencing. While 16S rDNA provided reliable genus-level identification of the isolates as P. syringae, rpoD gene analysis enabled precise identification at the pathovar level as P. syringae pv. atrofaciens, showing high similarity to reference strains. Genetic diversity within the population was assessed using BOX-PCR, revealing two distinct genetic profiles. This study provides the first report of P. syringae pv. atrofaciens in wheat seed samples from Turkish agricultural fields, highlighting the importance of improved seed hygiene practices and effective management strategies to mitigate yield losses associated with P. syringae pv. atrofaciens.