Genomic features and lytic activity of the bacteriophage PPPL-1 effective against pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae, a cause of bacterial canker in kiwifruit

Abstract

Bacterial canker in kiwifruit is caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). In this study, the bacteriophage PPPL-1 effective against Psa was characterized. Belonging to the Podoviridae family, PPPL-1 was effective against most Psa strains as well as most Pseudomonas syringae pathovars. PPPL-1 carries a 41,149-bp genome with 49 protein coding sequences and is homologous to the previously reported phiPSA2 bacteriophage. The lytic activity of PPPL-1 was stable up to 40 o C, within a range of pH 3-11 and under 365 nm UV light. These results indicate that the bacteriophage PPPL-1 might be useful to control Psa in the kiwifruit field.