Evaluation of antagonistic activity of epiphytic Pseudomonas strains against phytopathogenic Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae causing bacterial Citrus blast and black pit. antagonistic activity of epiphytic Pseudomonas strains against phytopathogenic Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae

In vitro analyzing the antagonistic activity of ninety-seven hypersensitivity (HR)-negative native epiphytic bacterial isolates from the Citrus phyllosphere towards plant pathogenic Pss of Citrus resulted in a selection of biocontrol bacteria with various antagonistic potentials as determined in vitro on agar media. Based on 16S rRNA, five isolates were presumptively identified as P. atacamensis (strains 28, 128 and Y58), P. lurida (strain 40), and P. lactis (strain Y21).