Isolation and detection of Agrobacterium tumefaciens from soil

Palestinian agriculture sector is on thrive, especially stone fruit plantation and mainly almond, but this is threatened by pest and diseases.  Agrobacterium tumefaciense that causes crown gall diseases is one of the major problems affecting stone fruit production. Uncontrolled and irresponsible practices by nurseries and farmers allowed the spread of this disease at alarming rate. Bacterial culture on selection medium followed by PCR amplification with specific primers directed towards ipt gene was found to be very useful and efficient in detection of Agrobacterium tumefaciense both in soil and root samples.  Direct detection from soil and root samples diluted with water was not possible at this time.

Prevalence of Agrobacterium tumefaciense in soil sample was found to be 12.5 % and 5% in root samples.  From results obtained, there is a need to follow very strict quarantine methods and follow up by respective authority in order to minimize infection and spreading of this disease. In addition to that, the time for sample collection should be considered.