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Note: Before using this method for the first time, perform preliminary tests to ensure reproducible detection of 10 3 to 10 4 colony-forming units of R. solanacearum per ml added to extracts from samples which previously tested negative. U.K.
Use an appropriately validated selective medium such as SMSA (as modified by Elphinstone et al. , 1996; see Appendix 2).
Care is required to differentiate R. solanacearum from other bacteria able to develop colonies on the medium. Furthermore, colonies of R. solanacearum may show atypical morphology if plates are overcrowded or antagonistic bacteria are also present. Where effects of competition or antagonism are suspected, the sample should be re-tested using a different test.
Highest sensitivity of detection by this method can be expected when using freshly prepared sample extracts. However, the method is also applicable for use with extracts which have been stored under glycerol at -68 to -86 °C.
As positive controls, prepare decimal dilutions from a suspension of 10 6 cfu per ml of a virulent biovar 2 strain of R. solanacearum (e.g. NCPPB 4156 = PD 2762 = CFBP 3857). To avoid any possibility of contamination, prepare positive controls totally separately from samples to be tested.
For each newly prepared batch of a selective medium its suitability for growth of the pathogen should be tested before it is used to test routine samples.
Test control material in an identical manner as the sample(s).
Note: Atypical colonies of R. solanacearum sometimes form on this medium. These may be small, round, entirely red in colour and non-fluidal or only partially fluidal and therefore difficult to distinguish from saprophytic colony-forming bacteria. U.K.
The selective plating test is negative if no bacterial colonies are observed after six days or if no presumptive colonies typical of R. solanacearum are found, provided that no inhibition is suspected due to competition or antagonism by other bacteria and that typical R. solanacearum colonies are found in the positive controls.
The selective plating test is positive if presumptive R. solanacearum colonies are isolated.]