Detection of Xanthomonas translucens on barley seed

Abstract

Bacterial blight of barley, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas translucens, occurs sporadically in Arizona in sprinkler-irrigated barley. The pathogen is seed borne, and there are no resistant varieties of barley. Bacterial blight has been severe when contaminated seed is planted and favorable weather conditions, including spring rains and late frosts, occur in March and April. Methods for detection of the bacteria on seed have been established at The University of Arizona using both standard pathogenicity trials on barley seedlings and immunoassay techniques.