Isolation and characterization of agrobacterium tumefaciens strains from Malakander farm, university of agriculture, Peshawar

Abstract

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a plant pathogen that causes devastating Crown Gall disease. Current studies were aimed at the isolation of A. tumefaciens from local soil. Five soil samples were collected from research farm of Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan. Soil samples were processed for the isolation of A. tumefaciens. Various biochemical and morphological tests were conducted to confirm the identity of A. tumefaciens. The pathogenicity of the isolates was confirmed by in vitro carrot and potato discs inoculation assays. A total of seven strains of A. tumefaciens were isolated on yeast extract mannitol agar (YEMA) medium. The isolated strains were confirmed as A. tumefaciens on the basis of morphological, biochemical and pathogenicity tests. The bacterial cells were rod shaped having rounded ends. The strains were Gram positive. Results confirmed the pathogenicity of the isolated strains as shown by development of tumours on carrot and potato discs. The pathogenic potential of the isolated strains demand for proper management and control measurements to spread and prevent infections of A. tumefaciens.