Fuente: WIPO "biotechnology" The present invention relates to diagnostic assays for the identification of Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli, a bacterial pathogen of melons. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel protein that is specific for A. avenae subsp. citrulli, as well as antibodies specific thereof. The invention also relates to the use of primers in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the detection of Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli. The use of these primers and antibodies enables the detection of specific isolates of bacterial pathogens and the monitoring of disease development in plant populations.