Transmission of Xanthomonas vesicatoria by seeds is one of the major sources of inoculum for development of epidemic bacterial spot. The aim in this work was elucidating the process of infection and colonization of tomato seeds and seedlings by these bacteria. Three experiments were carried out using X. vesicatoria, ENA 4463 isolate, and tomato seeds from Santa Clara Miss Brasil cultivar. Seeds were inoculated using vacuum or by injection of bacterial suspension in the region of the placenta of green fruits. Sowing was done in Gerbox boxes, aluminum or Styrofoam trays (128 cells) containing germitest paper, sand or commercial substrate for seedlings, respectively. Seedlings in Gerbox were assessed along six days by the quantification of bacterial population associated to different organs, through direct and indirect isolation on NA medium. In sand and commercial substrate, assessments were carried out until 30 days using the same procedures. Bacteria was easily isolated from the coat along the first six days, and from radicles, hypocotyls and cotyledon leaves just after the organs appearance, at two or three days after sowing, respectively. Maximum population of Xanthomonas vesicatoria was observed at 48 hours after sowing at the time of radicle protrusion. In sand and commercial substrate experiments, the bacteria colonized all plant organs and this process occurred as they arose. These bacteria can survive as resident at roots, epicotyls, cotyledon and definitive leaves until, at least, 30 days after sowing, not necessarily causing symptoms.
Solanum lycopersicum; bacterial spot; seed pathology; germination; epidemiology
