Abstract

                                Erwinia carotovora var. caotovora causes soft rot of onion bulbs in storage.. Three genotypes (N 53, L3V1T2C2, ACSP1) were tested for the presence of soft rot bacterium in seed by roll towel and blotter paper method. A higher per centage of oozing was observed in ACSP1 (81.0 and 83.2 per cent). Studies on morphological character revealed that the causal agent was E. cartovora var carotovora. The biochemical tests. were carried out to identify the causal agents. The bacterium was identified as Erwinia carotovora var. carotovora and pathogenicity was proved. The seed borne nature of E. carotovora var. carotovora was proved.

Key words : Onion, Erwinia carotovora var carotovora and seed.