A novel genus of Pectobacterium bacteriophages display broad host range by targeting several species of Danish soft rot isolates.

ABSTRACT: The bacterial diseases black leg and soft rot in potatoes cause heavy losses of potatoes worldwide. Bacteria within the genus Pectobacteriaceae are the causative agents of black leg and soft rot. The use of antibiotics in agriculture is heavily regulated and no other effective treatment currently exists, but bacteriophages (phages) have shown promise as potential biocontrol agents. In this study we isolated soft rot bacteria from potato tubers and plant tissue displaying soft rot or black leg symptoms collected in Danish fields. We then used the isolated bacterial strains as hosts for phage isolation. Using organic waste, we isolated phages targeting different species within Pectobacterium. Here we focus on seven of these phages representing a new genus primarily targeting P. brasiliense;

SUBMITTER: Pedersen JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11445585 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature