From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Erwinia is a genus of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria containing mostly plant pathogenic species which was named for the first phytobacteriologist, Erwin Smith. It is a gram negative bacterium related to E.coli, Shigella, Salmonella and Yersinia. A well-known member of this genus is the species E. amylovora, which causes fireblight on apple, pear, and other Rosaceous crops. Erwinia carotovora is another species which causes diseases in carrots.
[edit] Erwinia carotovora
This bacteria is a plant pathogen which causes diseases in carrots, but has a wide host range, so can also cause blackleg and soft rot in potatoes. Mutants can be produced which are less virulent. Virulence factors include: pectinases, cellulases, (which degrade plant cell walls), and also proteases, lipases, xylanases and nucleases (along with the normal virulence factors for pathogens – Fe acquisition, LPS integrity, multiple global regulatory systems).
