Microorganisms with their own metabolism that reproduce through cell division. In horticulture, they cause plant diseases but also form a beneficial part of the soil microflora.
Bacteria are a type of microorganism. They are very small—one-thousandth of a millimeter—and can only be seen under a microscope. Unlike viruses, bacteria have their own metabolism and reproduce through cell division. Under optimal conditions, their numbers can therefore increase exponentially within hours. This is evident in cloudy water or, in plants, through a variety of symptoms.
Affected farms often have difficulty controlling bacterial diseases—that is, plant diseases caused by bacteria. There are no effective treatments, so the only option is usually to contain the pathogens by disinfecting water, tools, and surfaces in the greenhouse.
Some of the most important genera of bacterial pathogens in commercial horticulture are Agrobacterium, Clavibacter, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and Xanthomonas.
Nevertheless, bacteria are not automatically harmful in plant cultivation. They are part of the beneficial (soil) microflora and help plants with nutrient uptake, decomposition, and metabolic processes. Bacteria are also the main component of effective microorganisms.
What does this mean for your business?
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