Immunolocalization and Histocytopathological Effects of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni on Naturally Infected Leaf and Fruit Tissues of Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch)

Immunofluorescence and cytohistochemical studies have been performed to understand the host–parasite relationships in the pathosystem: peach–Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap). Using a commercial immunodetection kit, Xap cells were specifically identified in tissues from infected leaves and fruits. Sections from infected leaves showed that the pathogen penetrates the mesophyll via stomata and develops in the intercellular spaces where it degrades the cell wall components. This leads to cell collapse and consequently to the formation of necrotic lesions. The same events have been noted in sections from infected fruits. However, the contaminated zones of mesocarp parenchyma exhibited cell dedifferentiation and generated somatic embryo-like structures. Sections from midrib samples collected at different distances from infected lamina revealed the presence of Xap cells in the sieve tubes and xylem suggesting a systemic trafficking of the pathogen. The results are discussed in terms of cytological effects and epidemiology of Xap.