Biochemical characterization of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae for identification of bacterial blight of pomegranate

Abstract

Bacterial blight is one of the most destructive diseases of pomegranate, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae. Infected samples were collected from Rahata, and the associated bacterium was isolated and purified on Nutrient Sucrose Agar (NSA) medium. The isolates were maintained on NSA slants (coded as Xap) and subjected to morphological and biochemical characterization. Colony morphology, Gram staining, KOH solubility, and catalase activity were examined. The isolates produced yellow, smooth colonies, were Gram-negative rods, catalase-positive, and KOH-positive, confirming their identity as X. axonopodis pv. punicae.