Survival of Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae in nonkiwifruit green compost

Abstract

Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (Psa) the causal agent of bacterial canker of kiwifruit can survive in the environment outside its host Determining where Psa can survive in the environment is important to limit the incidence and spread of this disease Composts are sometimes used in kiwifruit orchards and the goal of this study was to determine the risk associated with such a practice Three commercially prepared composts made from nonkiwifruit green waste were analysed for presence of Psa and for the ability of Psa to survive Psa was not found in any of the composts analysed An antibioticresistant derivative of Psa biovar 3 (previously PsaV) used in this experiment could not multiply in any of the composts and its population declined rapidly Live Psa could not be detected 7 days after inoculation In sterile composts Psa could be detected for at least 8 days after inoculation