The Selective Activity of a Benzoxazole Brightener against Phytopathogenic Bacteria

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Abstract
A cationic benzoxazole compound used commercially as an optical brightener was found to have a selective bactericidal effect at low concentrations on a wide range of bacterial phytopathogens; many strains of Agrobacterium, Corynebacterium, Erwinia, Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas were tested. Known phytopathogenic species of Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas were rapidly killed, whereas saprophytic strains of Corynebacterium and Pseudomonas were resistant to 500 parts/106. The phytopathogenic Erwinia spp. were inhibited only by the higher concentrations of AN, and some saprophytic E. herbicola var. herbicola strains were slightly sensitive. The extent and nature of this selective bactericidal property is examined and discussed. Resistant mutant colonies were very rarely encountered. The results are of significance in that the recognition of such phytopathogens under laboratory conditions is made easier. The resistance of Ps. aeruginosa to the compound and its almost unique ability to utilize it as a sole carbon source offer a means of isolating this organism.