First Report of Bacterial Soft Rot of Ginseng Caused by Pseudomonas qessardii in Jilin Province of China

Abstract

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey) is one of the perennial herbs well known for the high medicinal value of its root for many years. However, ginseng diseases pose a great threat to the growth of ginseng and may greatly limit the yield and quality of ginseng. In September 2016, roots of ginseng were received from Fusong County, Jilin Province, China (127°29.48′ N, 42°11.12′ E) that displayed typical bacterial root rot. Rotted roots completely lost their medicinal and economic value. Water-soaked and brown-colored lesions on the roots expanded rapidly and the tissues becoming soft and rotten, causing the whole plant to collapse with a nasty smell. Bacterial streaming was observed with three symptomatic roots. To isolate the bacteria, the root tissues were surface-sterilized in 70% ethanol for 30 s, and rinsed 3 times in sterilized water and cut into small pieces (5 × 5 mm), then cultured on nutrient agar (NA), and incubated at 28°C for 48 h. Colonies were round, smooth, grayish white, and lightly convex on ...