VIEW ARTICLE

Etiology

Biotypes and Phenotypic Groups of Strains of Agrobacterium in South Africa. H. J. du Plessis, Fruit and Fruit Technology Research Institute, Private Bag X5013, Stellenbosch 7600; H. J. J. van Vuuren(2), and M. J. Hattingh(3). Department of Microbiology and Virology, and Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa. Phytopathology 74:524-529. Accepted for publication 17 November 1983. Copyright 1984 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-74-524.

Seventy-one South African strains of Agrobacterium and 19 reference strains were grouped into three clusters by numerical analysis of 49 phenotypic characters. The major cluster, which corresponds to biotype-2 agrobacteria, contained three distinct groups. A second cluster contained typical biotype-3 as well as strains of Agrobacterium rubi. Seven known genetic groups and three additional groups of biotype-1 agrobacteria were distinguished in a third cluster. Diagnostic characters, biotypes, and phenotypic groups of South African strains and reference strains of Agrobacterium are discussed.