Characterization of Erwinia amylovora Strains Isolated from Quince Trees in Serbia Using REP-PCR Method

Characteristics of Erwinia amylovora strains isolated from quince trees (Cydonia oblonga) in different localities in Serbia are presented in this paper. In the period 2010-2012, severe occurrence of fire blight on quince was recorded in almost all localities in Serbia. First symptoms appeared after blooming period, but most expressed symptoms were recorded during intensive growth of shoots. Isolated strains elicted HR in tobacco, necrosis of pear seedlings and immature pear fruits ('Williams'). Strains were non-fluorescent, produce levan; oxidase negative, catalase positive; hydrolysis of gelatine positive; esculin and starch tests were negative; strains metabolise sucrose, sucrose, fructose and galactose. After amplification of total DNA with REP-PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis, the tested isolates originating from quince showed indistinguishable PCR patterns for all investigated native strains that were identical to European reference strains.