The phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola (Xcv) induces grapevine (Vitis vinifera) bacterial canker, causing severe losses in Brazil. Four preservation methods [dried paper strips (DPS), periodic transfer (PT), sterile distiled water (SDW) and dried leaves (DL)] were compared for storing two Xcv strains over a 12-month periods. Viability and pathogenicity were evaluated every month and estimated by bacterial growth and area under the disease incidence curve (AUDIC). Both the DPS and SDW methods maintained 100% of cell viability to and showed higher AUDIC values for 11 months. The PT did not permit growth at 30 days while DL maintained cell viability for up to five months. The growth of two Xcv strains in liquid culture medium at varying temperatures (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40 and 45°C), pH (5.0; 5.,5; 6.0; 6.5; 7.0; 7.5; 8.0; 8.5 and 9.0) and NaCl concentration (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7%) was evaluated with spectrophotometer. The Xcv growth was observed from 5 to 35 °C, with optimum growth from 27 to 29 °C. The Xcv did not grow at zero and 40 °C. The optimum pH for Xcv growth was 7.5. The pathogen growth declined from 3.0% NaCl and was null at 6.0%.
grapevine; bacterial canker; Xcv
