Identity and genetic diversity of Pectobacterium spp., causal agents of potato soft rot in Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

Zanjan province is one of the areas of potato production in Iran with more than 6917 ha of cultivation. One of the
most important factors to limit potato cultivation is soft rot bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae.
During the years 2007 to 2008, different potato fields and the most important potato storages in Zanjan province
were surveyed. Phenotypic identification of the strains was performed using recommended biochemical and
physiological tests. Genetic diversity was determined by BOX-PCR and ERIC-PCR. Also all of the strains were
identified with specific primers (Y1, Y2 and ECA1f, ECA2r). The strains belonged to "carotovora" group and
identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum and Pectobacterium atrosepticum. Although
there were some atypical characteristics among the strains, but a very close relationship were found between
DNA fingerprints and geographical origins of isolates.