Henotypic Heterogynicity Phytopathogenic Bacteria Belong to Erwinia Genus – Agent of Apples Bacterial Eseases in Ukraine.

Aim: To study the phenotypic properties of isolated Erwinia sp. and collection «Erwinia horticola» strains for their identification.

Methods: The strains pathogenicity and aggressiveness was tested by an artificial infection of apple, pear buds and immature pear fruit. The physiological and biochemical properties of bacteria was investigated using API testing (API 20E and API 50СН test systems). Fatty acid composition of cellular lipids was determined by gas chromatography

Results: Analysis of pathogenic, morphological, cultural, physiological, biochemical properties and fatty acid composition of cellular lipids indicates significant similarity «Erwinia horticola» collection and Erwinia sp. isolated strains with the Erwinia amylovora typical strain.

Conclusiones: Our results cast doubt on the existence of a separate species «Erwinia horticola». Though for the final strains classification at species level is necessary to study their genotypic properties.