ABSTRACT
The characterization of exopolysaccharide production and rRNA gene restriction patterns of Xanhtomonas campestris were studied. The pathovars of glycines, phaseoli and vesicatoria major patterns correlated with pathogenicity on the host plant and this can be used to characterize strains. The synthesis of xanthan in the strains and the reisolates is different and can not be used for the identification of different pathovars.