Complex method of diagnosing soft potato rot caused by P. carotovorum

Pectobacterium carotovorum bacteria are facultative pathogens which cause diseases of various plant species, in many cases causing great economic damage. The research aim is to develop a complex method for diagnosing soft potato rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum. Soil samples, water from open reservoirs, sewage, plant residues, and potatoes with signs of soft rot were used in the research. From 123 samples of phytosanitary control and environmental objects, 14 strains were classified as Pectobacterium carotovorum spp.carotovorum. The obtained results of research on the biological properties of bacteria isolated by us are basically consistent with the data of reference strains. Based on the developed bacteriological scheme for the identification of Pectobacterium carotovorum spp.carotovorum bacteria, including 27 indicators, 14 strains were identified, typed as Pectobacterium carotovorum spp.carotovorum. It was established that within 168 hours, using the developed scheme for isolation and bacteriological identification of bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum spp.carotovorum, it’s possible to type the above-mentioned bacteria based on 27 tests. However, the length and material intensity of research do not allow us to say that this method is effective for routine research. Phagoidentification of isolated strains of P.carotovorum spp.carotovorum was proved by the results of checking biochemical properties of bacteria. Out of 12 samples, 5 were identified as P.carotovorum spp.carotovorum. The conducted research proves the possibility of applying the identification scheme of bacterium P.carotovorum spp.carotovorum using introduced bacteriophage biopreparation consisting of RCC bacteriophages-1 UlGAU and РСС-37 UlGAU allowing to reduce the time spent on research several times (from 168 hours to 88 hours).