Blackleg- Pectobacterium atrosepticum – Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. Brasiliensis – Pectobacterium wasabiae – Dickeya dianthicola – Dickeya solani

Blackleg Common name Blackleg Causal agent It is caused by several pectolytic bacterias and mainly affect potato crops. Scientific name Pectobacterium atrosepticum Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. Brasiliensis Pectobacterium wasabiae Dickeya dianthicola Dickeya solani Symptoms & Signs Blackleg of a potato is characterized by the blackening of the lower stem or the leg of the potato plant, hence the name. It also causes stunting, chlorosis, and wilting of the leaves and decaying of the leaves. The disease appears right after the crop emerges from the field and is more common in young plants. Transmission This disease is tuber-borne which means that it develops and spreads through the tubers. It is transferred to healthy tubers during storage by contact or through wind, water, and insects. The bacteria thrive in moist, cool conditions below 25 °C (77 °F). Time of concern Early spring and fall Common hosts Potatoes