BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND EFFECT OF BACTERIAL BLIGHT ON MICRO AND MACRO NUTRIENT CONCENTRATION IN POMEGRANATE

Bacterial blight is a serious disease of pomegranate. The disease affects the yield and quality of pomegranate fruits. In this present work, we investigated the biochemical characterization and role of micro and macro nutrients in diseased and healthy leaves of pomegranate. Pathogen was isolated infected leaves, twigs and fruits and grown on different culture media. Different biochemical tests (Gram staining, KOH, catalase, oxidase, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction) were performed to identify the bacteria. All these tests confirm the presence of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv punicae. Pathogenicity was done in the greenhouse using three different methods (Pin-pricked, infiltration and spray method) and symptoms appeared in 8 days; and infiltration method showed early symptoms compared to the spray and pin prick method. Ionic contents (Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Boron, Zinc and Copper) are reduced by using these nutrients for the growth, multiplication and survival of pathogenic bacteria. Proper application of these nutrients helps the host plant to improve its physiological and biochemical development and resistance to bacterial blight disease in pomegranate.