carotovora

Carotovora is a historical designation used for certain plant-pathogenic bacteria, most notably those formerly grouped as Erwinia carotovora. In current taxonomy these bacteria are placed in the genus Pectobacterium and are commonly referred to as Pectobacterium carotovorum, or as part of the Pectobacterium carotovorum species complex. They are important plant pathogens that cause soft rot in a wide range of crops and ornamental plants.

Taxonomy and nomenclature have changed over time as classification has been refined. The name carotovorum has appeared in various taxonomic units, with Pectobacterium carotovorum and related subspecies and closely related species (such as Pectobacterium atrosepticum) representing historically overlapping groups. The organisms are characterized by their ability to thrive in moist environments and to invade plant tissue through wounds and natural openings.

Biology and pathogenic mechanisms involve Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that are facultatively anaerobic. They produce a suite of plant cell wall–degrading enzymes, including polygalacturonases, pectate lyases, and other pectinases, as well as proteases and cellulases. The enzymatic degradation of pectin in plant tissues leads to rapid tissue maceration and soft rot, often with a distinct wet, foul-smelling appearance in infected produce.

Hosts and symptoms are broad, affecting potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and many other crops. Infected tubers and other harvested organs become soft, brown, and mushy, with leakage of fluids under storage or transport conditions.

Control measures focus on sanitation and prevention: using disease-free seed, removing and destroying infected tissues, minimizing wounding, crop rotation, and careful hygiene of equipment and storage facilities. Chemical controls are limited in effectiveness, and management relies largely on cultural practices and rapid detection. Diagnostic methods include culture isolation and molecular tests such as PCR to identify Pectobacterium species.