Characterization of Xanthomonas phaseoli Bacteriophages.

Ten bacteriophages for Xanthomonas phaseoli were characterized. On the basis of adsorption rates, latent period and burst size, plaque morphology, host range, efficiency of plating, ultrastructure, sensitivity to osmotic shock, streptomycin sensitivity, temperature effects on plating efficiency, and serology, the phages were separated into at least three groups. Some of the phages were infectious for Pseudomonas phaseolicola (four strains) and P. syringae (one strain) in a narrow temperature range. The taxonomic and ecological significance of this finding is discussed.