Typing of the EPS coat of Erwinia amylovora strains in relation to their phytopathological properties

The structure and the production of the extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) coat of different E. amylovora isolates were investigated. Mass spectrometry and NMR analysis according to Nimtz et al. (1996) elucidated a different structure in the amylovoran of E. amylovora pathogens on Malaceae and on Rubus host plants. Tests with the E. amylovora pathogens on Malaceae showed a direct correlation between the amount of EPS produced and the aggressiveness of the strains.