On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates were included in the genus Pseudomonas, within the Pseudomonas fluorescens-related species group, their closest relatives being the Pseudomonas jessenii and Pseudomonas koreensis subgroups. The highest sequence similarities were recorded with the type strains of Pseudomonas reinekei, P. moorei, P. umsongensis, P. jessenii and P. mohnii (99.4-99.3 % similarity). Sequence analysis of the housekeeping genes gyrB and rpoD clearly differentiated the isolates from currently described Pseudomonas species, the highest sequence similarities recorded to type strains being below 95 % for both genes. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated sequences of the three genes showed Pseudomonas moraviensis DSM 16007 T and P. koreensis DSM 16610 T as the closest reference strains. DNA-DNA hybridization assays with related strains confirmed that these isolates belong to a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas baetica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain a390 T (5CECT 7720 T 5LMG 25716 T ). The novel species could be easily distinguished from phylogenetically related species by several phenotypic characteristics, including gelatin hydrolysis, acid production from glucose and growth at 6 % NaCl. Virulence assays revealed that the novel species is pathogenic for wedge sole.

Considerable losses of citrus trees have been observed in the major citrus-growing areas of Spain. Samples were collected from 132 orchards, and isolations and pathogencity tests were conducted to determine the aetiology of a serious canker disease. Affected trees showed cankers on the scion that frequently began on the branches. Three Phytophthora species were identified based on their morphological, cultural, physiological and molecular profiles. Phytophthora citrophthora was the main species associated with this new syndrome in 114 orchards. Phytophthora nicotianae (syn. P. parasitica ) was isolated from nine orchards as the sole Phytophthora species and in coinfection with P. citrophthora from another nine orchards. Phytophthora citricola was isolated only from one orchard. In stem-inoculation studies conducted under greenhouse conditions, clementine mandarin cv. Hernandina and sweet orange cv. Navel Late were more susceptible to P. citrophthora than sour orange and Carrizo citrange rootstocks. Clementine cv. Hernandina was also highly susceptible in field inoculation experiments. In agreement with field surveys, clementine mandarin cultivars were the most affected, their rootstocks remaining healthy. Phytophthora citrophthora was found to be the predominant species in orchard soils; however, P. nicotianae was also isolated. This information changes the scenario of diseases caused by Phytophthora spp. in Spain and consequently, the present knowledge of epidemiology and the effectiveness of the current control measures should be reassessed.

In this work, we have assessed the effects of different stocking densities on the biometry, survival and physiological status of the wedge sole (Dicologoglossa cuneata), focusing on changes in the stress system and intermediate metabolism, with the aim of determining a stress indicator for chronic‐stress situations in this species. Wedge sole were kept at three different stocking densities (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 kg m−3) for 197 days, and survival, growth, plasma metabolites, cortisol and enzymatic activities were assessed. Survival rates were the highest at low density, though growth did not vary significantly among treatments. Enzymatic activities, mainly in muscle, differed depending on stocking density. Liver hexokinase activity at low stocking density was the highest, while no differences were detected for the other enzymes assessed. In muscle, all enzymes significantly increased in activity with stocking density. We concluded that long‐term high stocking density culture significantly changed enzyme activities (hexokinase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase) in wedge sole muscle, although liver enzymes, plasma cortisol and metabolites did not vary significantly. Therefore, muscle enzymes, hexokinase and glutamate dehydrogenase, could be considered stress indicators for this species in chronic‐stress situations.