Characterization of Further <i>Erwinia amylovora</i> Strains and the Application of the API 20E System in Diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract The former phenotypic study of Erwinia amylovora (VANTOMME et al. 1982) was extended with a collection of 54 Erwinia amylovora strains from a broad plant and geographic origin. From the 85 phenotypic features studied, 72 (85%) were present in at least 90% of the strains. Only 49 (58%) of the features were shared by all strains. Thirty‐eight strains were also examined by the API 20E system. The API 20E code numbers for E. amylovora are unique and, combined with an immature, (green) pear test, may be used for an accurate identification of Erwinia amylovora.