Isolation and Characterization of <i>Ralstonia solanacearum</i> Causing Bacterial Wilt of Tomato in Nigeria

Abstract

Bacterial wilt of tomato, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), is endemic in most tomato-growing areas of Nigeria, causing 60 to 100% loss in yield. Control measure requires definite information on race and biovar characteristics of the pathogen in those endemic areas. Soil samples were collected from seven states in Nigeria known for high incidence of tomato bacterial wilt. Isolations were performed on triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TZC) and casamino peptone glucose (CPG) media. Morphological characterization of the pathogen was through simple staining, streaming and KOH solubility test.