Characterization of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum Bacteriophage PP16 Perspective for Biocontrol of Potato Soft Rot
Phages of the phytopathogenic Pectobacteriaceae species causing black leg and soft rot of potato were investigated. These phages are promising as bioprotection agents to prevent the loss of seed and commercial potatoes. The present work characterizes a new podovirus PP16, infecting a broad range of Pectobacterium carotovorum strains. Based on its genomic composition, phage PP16 was assigned to a separate phylogenetic branch of the genus Phimunavirus, subfamily Autographivirinae. Bacteriophage PP16 efficiently inhibited development of pectobacterial infection both in vitro and in planta. The field experiment demonstrated a substantial increase of plant germination after the treatment of seed potato with phage PP16.