Abstract:
In the current study, molecular typing of 50
Erwinia amylovora
strains related to
different regions in Iran was evaluated using multi
-locus sequence analysis and variable
number of tandem repeats. In the first assay, phylo
genetic tree based on partial sequences
of recombinase A, sigma factor S and a heat shock p
rotein GroEL showed significant
identity in studied gene sequences. A single nucleo
tide variation in
gro
EL was determined
in IrGh59 strain related to
C
rataegus
spp. from Ghazvin Province. In VNTR analysis, the
same fingerprinting profile similar to
E. amylovora
reference strain ATCC49946 was
yielded for tested strains except NBQ1 and MQ1 whic
h may reflect a unique
contaminating source for this disease in Iran. In a
ddition, the honey-bee movements with
respect to blossom season probably have a considera
ble role in fire blight unique dispersal
in our area. The NBQ1 and MQ1 strains generated dif
ferent VNTR profiles, isolated from
cultivars Neishabour
and
Esfehan of
Cydonia oblonga
plant, respectively. No definite
assessment can be expressed in this case. However,
possible entry of other infection mass
from neighboring countries should be determined. Ov
erall, VNTR profile analyses are
recommended as a tool to evaluate genetic differenc
es in
E. amylovora
populations. In
addition, employing more strains from different kno
wn sources
could be assistance
to
achieve more accurate results about
E. amylovora
genetic variation and also fire blight
distribution patterns.
Keywords:
Fire blight, Housekeeping genes, Iran, VNTR.
