Genetic and pathogenic diversity of Ralstonia solanacearum species complex strains isolated in Burkina Faso

Abstract Bacterial wilt caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is a disease that negatively affects the cultivation of Solanaceae crops in Burkina Faso. Knowledge of the pathogen diversity is essential to deploy locally adapted control methods. In this study, diseased plants showing typical bacterial wilt symptoms were collected in the three main agroclimatic zones of Burkina Faso for the detection of RSSC isolates. Strain characterization was achieved through a phylogenetic and pathogenicity diversity assessment. A total of 102 isolates were sampled, and Phylotype I ( Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum ) was predominant ( n = 101; sequevars 14, 31, 34, and 46). The remaining isolate was characterized as Phylotype IIA‐35 ( Ralstonia solanacearum ). Phylotypes I‐31 and I‐46 were predominant and both characterized as the most the aggressive group of strains amongst a subset of 33 representative isolates. Our findings provide valuable information as regard RSSC diversity that breeders and resistance programme should target in order to fight this pathogen in Burkina Faso and around the world.