Penetration Through Leaf Stomata and Growth of Strains of<i>Xanthomonas campestris</i>in Citrus Cultivars Varying in Susceptibility to Bacterial Diseases

Abstract

Leaf stomata and the pressures required to effect water congestion of tissue and bacterial penetration and growth in leaves were compared for selected cultivars of citrus species and relatives that vary in susceptibility to Asiatic citrus canker and citrus bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri and X. c. pv. citrumelo, respectively. The differences among cultivars in structure and density of stomata on leaves expanded by two thirds (most susceptible stage to infection) and leaves fully expanded (least susceptible) were not related to previously reported susceptibility to citrus canker (...)