Cure plant rot in potatoes with new methods

Scientists at Cambridge University had a key genetic discovery of the bacteria that caused plant rot, a potato disease that caused economic losses and this discovery could lead to new methods. to fight this disease. They found that, if making a specific gene inactive in the bacterium Erwinia carotovora, the bacteria's ability to damage plants and cause disease will be greatly hindered.

Erwinia carotovora bacteria can cause disease in many different plants, including carrots, tomatoes and onions, but it is best known in temperate regions for causing dry disease and soft rot in potatoes. . Its success lies in its ability to produce enzymes that break down the host cell walls. The damaged cell wall provides nutrients for this bacterium and thus supports its survival and development.

Cambridge scientists discovered that, if they make an inactive gene called the gene re1A , the gene

Sweet potato root rot.
(Photo: dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk)

Helping the bacteria realize when its nutrients are getting less, its ability to produce exzymes to destroy its host cell walls will also be destroyed.

Dr. Martin Welch, lead researcher, explains: 'Tree rot is an important economic problem, basically reducing harvest yields.

'We have shown that the creation of enzymes that destroy cell walls is genetically related not only with the ability to signal but also in the nutritional state of bacteria . This is important for scientists in finding new ways to prevent and combat this disease.

By improving our understanding of how Erwinia carotovora bacteria rot, we can discover new ways to develop anti-rot agents. We have also opened up an ability to develop pesticides too. '

This study has just been published in Bacteriology. This study is funded by BBRSC Biological and Biological Technology Research Council.

Thanh Van