Pectobacterium carotovorum facts for kids

Pectobacterium carotovorum is a tiny living thing called a bacterium. It's shaped like a rod and was first found in carrots. This bacterium is mostly known for causing diseases in plants, making them rot. It can cause problems like soft rot and blackleg disease in plants such as potatoes. While it mainly affects plants, it can sometimes cause issues for humans too, but this is rare.

What are Pectobacteria?

Pectobacterium is a group of bacteria that are very good at breaking down plant tissues. They do this by releasing special chemicals called enzymes. These enzymes act like tiny scissors, cutting apart the plant's cell walls. This causes the plant to become soft and mushy, which is why the disease is called "soft rot."

Some common types of Pectobacterium include:

• P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum: This is the main type that causes soft rot in many different vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, and onions.
• P. carotovorum subsp. atrosepticum: This one is known for causing "blackleg" disease, especially in potatoes. It makes the potato stems turn black and rot.
• P. carotovorum subsp. wasabiae: This type can cause soft rot in plants like wasabi and other vegetables.

These bacteria are a big problem for farmers because they can destroy crops both in the fields and when they are stored after harvesting.

Images for kids

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  Soft rot in an onion caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum or Dickeya dadantii.

See also

In Spanish: Pata negra para niños