Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Streptomyces species associated with potato crops in the central part of Colombia

Scab disease produced by Streptomyces species causes one of the most major phytosanitary problems in Colombia. However, to our knowledge, local Streptomyces species have not been characterized, and Streptomyces species diversity and virulence factors involved in the scab disease occurrence remains unclear. In this study, Streptomyces isolates were obtained from scab lesions of potato tubers collected in Colombia. These isolates were characterized both genotypic and phenotypically. Moreover, the pathogenicity and the presence of genes commonly found in pathogenic species (txt and nec1) were established. This research constitutes the most comprehensive survey of Streptomyces species from potato crops in Colombia.