The epidemiology of Pectobacterium and Dickeya species and the role of calcium in postharvest soft rot infection of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by the pathogens: A review

Abstract

Contamination of potato with soft rotting enterobacteria belonging to the Pectobacterium and Dickeya genera is one of the biggest problems in potato production. Calcium plays an important role in minimising the severity and incidence of potato tuber soft rot in storage. This review gives a detailed assessment of the epidemiology of the pathogens and how calcium affects potato tuber soft rot in storage.\r\r\tKey words: Potato, soft rot, calcium, Pectobacterium, Dickeya.