Phage Typing and Lysotype Distribution of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv, citri, the Causal Agent of Citrus Bacterial Canker in Korea

The distribution of citrusphages and phage types of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri was investigated in Korea. Forty-eight strains of the bacterial pathogen and 28 bacteriophage strains were isolated from citrus leaves showing the citrus canker symptom. Only a single bacteriophage group, named CPK, was identified based on their aggressiveness to the bacterial pathogen. The bacterial strains were differentiated into two Iysotypes based on their sensitivity to CPK. Lysotype I, which was sensitive to CPK, was more predominant (96%), while only 4% belonged to Iysotype II, which was resistant to CPK. Among the 13 xanthomonads including Iysotype A and Iysotype B of X axonopodis pv. citri, CPKs were only aggressive to BC 83 (=Xc 62) strain of X. axonopodis pv, citri reported as Iysotype A. Thus, bacterial pathogens and citrusphages related to citrus plants mainly distributed in Korea were presumed as Iysotype A of X. axonopodis pv, citri, and Iysotype A-infecting CP$_1$ respectively.