A Dickeya and Pectobacterium Summit was held in November 2017 at the University of Maine. A digital copy of the presentations are available to purchase on the university’s website.
The main bacteria causing potato blackleg and tuber soft rot are Pectobacterium atrosepticum, P. carotovorumsubsp. carotovorum, and Dickeya spp., all formerly belonging to the genus Erwinia. Dickeya and Pectobacterium affect a number of host species including potato. Some experts say it is a relatively new threat to potato production in North America.
Some of the presentations at the meeting in Maine include:
- An overview of dickeya and pectobacterium in Europe and the US;
- Current advances in detection and diagnosis of Dickeya;
- Future dickeya research needs; and
- Potential sources and emerging dickeya and pectobacterium species.
Questions regarding the Summit can be directed to Steve Johnson at stevenj@maine.edu or (207) 554-4373.
More information is available here.