| Disease Name | Bacterial soft rot |
|---|---|
| Caused by | |
| Predisposing Environment | Bacterial soft rot bacteria, including Erwinia species, can survive in non-susceptible host plants, water, and the rhizosphere. As environmental conditions become favorable for bacterial growth, the bacteria multiply and cause disease. Spread of bacterial diseases is most often the result of human activity, such as pruning and propagation procedures, movement of soil and plant debris by machinery or on feet, overhead irrigation, and the application of insecticides and fungicides under pressure. While these conditions are generally conducive to bacterial soft rot, it’s important to note that specific environmental factors may vary depending on the host plant and other factors. For example, excess nitrogen, excess irrigation, insect stings or other wounding, rainy periods, and harvesting or other manipulations when the foliage is wet or cold can favor disease development in pepper plants. Warm temperatures and high humidity have been associated with a higher frequency of soft rot disease in Phalaenopsis orchids. To effectively manage bacterial soft rot diseases, a combination of measures is typically required. These may include sanitation practices, the use of chemicals, disease-free propagative materials, manipulation of humidity and temperature, proper fertilization, maximizing air circulation through plant spacing, avoiding overhead irrigation when possible, and selecting cultivars with tolerance to the disease. |
| Affects Crops |
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