The history of fire blight biocontrol with Gram-negative bacteria and bacteriophages

Abstract

AbstractFire blight caused by bacterium Erwinia amylovora is one of the most damaging diseases of apple and pear trees and many other plant species of the Rosaceae family. So far, it has been detected in almost all areas of pome fruit cultivation and in some regions it causes economic damage every year. Plant protection against fire blight is aimed at both preventing their infection and controlling the disease. However, the protection of plants against bacteriosis is generally difficult due to the small range of plant protection products and the growing doubts about their safety for the environment. Limitations related to their use have resulted in an increased interest in alternative methods, including the method of biological protection using various microorganisms. The first research on biological control agents was conducted in the USA about 100 years ago. Currently, it is also carried out in other countries, especially where fire blight causes economic losses. Commercial products whose active ingredients are mainly bacteria have already been developed. This work is a review of the studies and achievements in this field from its beginnings focusing on the Gram-negative bacteria and bacteriophages as a biocontrol agents.