Description as for the species and this pathovar is distinguished on the basis of phytopathogenic specialization. The pathovar is identified to species and distinguished from other pathovars by its gyrB gene sequence (Parkinson et al. 2009) and by genome-wide sequence analysis. According to Bradbury (1986), the natural host range includes Areca catechu (areca nut). Bradbury (1986) reports the artificial host range to include Cocos nucifera (coconut). Needle prick into sugar cane produced limited streaks, but the bacteria did multiply to some extent and could be reisolated. Disease: leaf stripe. Long, narrow water-soaked lesions, becoming dark brown or black with age. It is not known if the strains being transferred to this taxon conform to the species description for metabolic activity.

Pathotype strain: LMG 533 (= ICMP 5719 = NCPPB 2649 = PDDCC 5791).