Bacterial Soft Rot – Pectobacterium carotovorum – Dickeya dadantii

Bacterial soft rot Common name Bacterial soft rot Causal agent It is caused by a number of bacteria; however, the most common ones are Pectobacterium carotovorum or Erwinia carotovora, Dickeya dadantii or Erwinia chrysanthemi, and certain species of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Clostridium. Bacterial soft rot is the most common cause of crop damage worldwide. Scientific name Pectobacterium carotovorum Dickeya dadantii Symptoms & Signs Bacterial soft rot starts with water-soaked, sunken spots, mostly on the fleshy storage organs of the plants. The tissue beneath the rotten areas becomes mushy and discolored to black or yellow. It gives off a strong odor as well as oozes a watery and smelly liquid from the damaged tissues. Transmission It can transmit from the infected plant to healthy plants through infected tools, insects, water, soil, and debris. It enters the plant through openings such as wounds and scars. Wet, humid weather conditions and calcium deficiency can exacerbate the disease. It multiplies rapidly in high temperatures and humidity between 70–80 °F. Time of concern Early spring to late summer Common hosts Potato Carrot Banana Beans Cucurbits Cabbage Cauliflower