The Status of Cassava Bacterial Blight Caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. manihotis in Trinidad

Disease surveys conducted in Trinidad between 1985—1987 showed that Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB) is present in all but one county of the country with disease severity ratings varying from 1—5 depending on day/night temperatures. Field and greenhouse screening identified varieties such as Point Fortin fine leaf and CMC 40 as being resistant whereas M col 22 was moderately resistant to susceptible. Using a combination of antiserum produced to whole cells of Xanthomonas campestris pv. manibotis and a broth enrichment technique, dissemination of the pathogen by flood water was confirmed. The pathogen was detected at distances of up to 300 meters from infected fields. The significance of this mode of pathogen dissemination in initiating primary infection in Trinidad is discussed.