Exploring Possible Variation a mong Iranian Erwinia amylovora Strains Using Multilocus Typing a nd Tandem Repeat Analysis

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.