Phytopathogenic Burkholderia species in bulb plants in Bulgaria

Abstract

The identification of 22 isolates as Burkholderia cepacia and B. gladioli was confirmed by PCR amplification with speciesspecific primers CMG 16-1, G 16-2, CMG 23-1, and CM 23-2. The strains were characterized phenotypically by BIOLOG metabolic profile, antibiotic susceptibility, and interactions with other microorganisms. A greater metabolic diversity among B. gladioli strains than among B. cepacia strains was revealed. The phytopathogenic and the clinic isolates of B. cepacia were clearly distinguished in the studied properties. The phytopathogenic isolates of B. cepacia differed from the clinic strains in their greater metabolic abilities, significantly lower susceptibility to the tested antibiotics, and ability to synthesize antimicrobial substances against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi.