Abstract
1. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the relationships, one to another, of three bacteria, namely Bact. Sesami, Bact. solanacearum and Bact. sesamicola; those having been recorded as the cause of sesame diseases.
2. To this end a thorough comparative study of the morphology, culturlal features and physiology was made with authentic cultures.
3. From the results, I am inclined to believe that Bact. Sesami is identical with Bact. sesamicola, distinguished from Bact. solanacearum. Therefore Bact. sesamicola is applied as a synonym of Bact. Sesami.
4. The characters of Bact. Sesami are revised as follows:
Bacterium Sesami MALKOFF
Syn. Ps. Sesami. MALKOFF
Bact. sesamicola TAKIMOTO
A slightly long rod occurring singly or in pairs; 1.2-3.8×0.6-0.8μ when stained; polar flagella 2 to 5; no spores nor capsules present; Gram's negative.
On beef broth grows rapidly almost without pellicle; clears milk without coagulation; blues litmus milk; slightly browns potato media; liquefies gelatin promptly. On beef agar plate the colonies are circular, flat, striate, smooth or umbonate with entire margin, taking on white and oparescent luster. On beef agar stroke or stab the growth is filiform, white and translucent with butyrous consistency.
Aerobic; no gas is formed in sugars media; methylenblue is reduced but not nitrates; no hydrogen sulphide nor indol is produced. Temperature for growth, maximum 35°., minimum 0°., optimum 30°., thermal death point about 49°..
Group number is Bact. 221, 2332433.
Pathogenic on sesame leaves and stems causing dark brown spots; Type locality: Sadovo, Bulgaria.
Distribution: Bulgaria, India, Japan, Korea.
