Erwinia carotovora

Erwinia carotovora is a species of bacteria that belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that causes diseases in several crops, including potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. The bacteria is named after the carrot (carota), one of the plants it commonly infects, and the scientist who first isolated it, Erwin Frink Smith.

Taxonomy

The genus Erwinia is named after Erwin Frink Smith, a pioneering American plant pathologist. The species carotovora is derived from carota, the Latin name for carrot, and vorare, to devour, referring to the ability of this bacterium to cause soft rot in carrots and other vegetables.

Pathogenicity

Erwinia carotovora is a necrotrophic pathogen that causes soft rot disease in a variety of plants. The bacteria produce plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as pectinases and cellulases, which cause the plant tissue to macerate and decay. The disease is often associated with wet conditions and can cause significant losses in crop yield.

Control

Control of Erwinia carotovora is challenging due to its wide host range and its ability to survive in soil and plant debris. Strategies for control include the use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and the application of bactericides. Biological control using antagonistic bacteria or bacteriophages is also being explored.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of Erwinia carotovora is significant, particularly in the potato industry. Soft rot caused by E. carotovora can lead to substantial losses in storage, and the bacterium is also responsible for blackleg, a serious disease of potato plants.

Research

Research on Erwinia carotovora is focused on understanding its pathogenicity mechanisms and finding effective control strategies. This includes studies on the bacteria's genetic makeup, the enzymes it produces, and its interactions with plants and other microorganisms.

See Also

• Plant Pathology
• Enterobacteriaceae
• Soft Rot

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