Characterization of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum Bacteriophage PP16 Prospective 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 biocontrol agents to prevent the loss of seed and ware potato tubers. 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 bacterial 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.