Investigation of bacteriophage infections of potato soft-rot causal bacteria in potato farms of Tabriz

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. the carotovorum causal agent of bacterial soft-rot disease of potato is one the most destructive disease in the northwest of Iran. Due to the presence of this pathogen in the plant tissue and soil, bacteria control is difficult. One of the least considered controlling methods, is using bacteriophage for controlling of the bacterial populations in the farm and warehouses. Since there is no report for phage infections in the region and high damages of this disease; this study was conducted for primary identification of phage infections of causal agent of bacteria soft-rot disease in potato farms of the East Azerbaijan province. Bacteriophage isolation from potato farms’ soil was performed using precipitation and enrichment methods. In total, 30 soil samples were collected and examined. Based on electron microscopic imaging, three different phages were isolated. TEM images were indicated that these phages have typical morphology related to Myoviridae (Caudovirales). Laboratory assessments showed that both three phages have biocontrol capabilities for controlling bacterial populations in potato tubers