Lysogenization of Xanthomonas phaseoli and X. begoniae by Temperate X. citri Bacteriophages

Effects on Virulence, Phage Sensitivity, and Other Biological Properties

Abstract

When temperate phages of Xanthomonas citri infected other susceptible xanthomonads, these bacteria (X. begoniae and X. phaseoli) were lysogenized and released temperate phages constantly thereafter. The lysogenized bacteria did not lose their lysogenicity after repeated transfer through their original host plants. The lysogenized bacteria sometimes showed great changes in susceptibility to either the temperate phages or the virulent phages. However, no change was noticed in other characteristics, including plant pathogenicity and utilization of carbon sources, indicating that these temperate phages of X. citri did not cause transductions of these characters in these bacteria under the conditions used.