Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum
Bacteria
Initially water-soaked spots are formed. They enlarge and become sunken and soft. The plant tissues beneath the spots become mushy and discolored, from cream to black. Under severe infection leaves, stems and roots may rot entirely. A strong odor is noticeable.
To this day we are not aware of any biological control method available against this disease. If you know of any successful method to reduce the incidence or the gravity of the symptoms, please contact us.
Always consider an integrated approach with preventive measures together with biological treatments if available. Control measures are done in a preventive way as the bacteria itself cannot be cured. To prevent and suppress the bacterial pathogen use copper-based fungicides. Ciprofloxacin also good inhibition of the disease.
The damage is caused by the bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum, which survives in soil and crop residues. It enters the crop through wounds caused by tools, insects, hail damage or natural openings. The pathogen is spread by insects, tools, movement of infested plant material, soil or contaminated water. It becomes a major problem during wet weather and warm temperatures of 25-30°C, and even more severe when plants suffer from calcium defficiency. Occurs on the field but also in the storage.