Genetic Typing:

There are various methods used to perform genetic typing of Xylella strains based on DNA sequences. The DNA sequence of various parts of the bacterial genome have been used including the 16s ribosomal RNA and the spacer between the 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA. However, the Xylella Project utilizes the Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) system to identify strains of Xylella. MLST uses the sequence differences in seven house keeping genes. Unique sequences identified for each gene are assigned a number. Each isolate of Xylella is then assigned a seven number combination that consists of the allele number for each of the seven housekeeping genes.

DNA extracted from infected plants or from Xylella bacterial culture can be shipped to UC Riverside for a complimentary MLST analysis. Visit Sending Samples for instructions.

The technical details of how to apply this MLST method in your own lab are given at the MLST website and data base: www.pubmlst.org/xfastidiosa/