BACILLUS AMYLOVORUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Bacillus amylovorus is a bacterial species that belongs to the family Bacillaceae within the phylum Firmicutes. It is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, typically found in soil and plants. This bacterium is known for its pathogenicity in certain fruit tree species, particularly apple and pear trees.
The name "Bacillus amylovorus" is derived from Latin roots. "Bacillus" refers to the rod-like shape of the bacterium, while "amylovorus" indicates its ability to metabolize and utilize starch (amylum). This bacterium is characterized by its ability to produce destructive diseases in apple and pear orchards, such as fire blight.
Fire blight is a highly contagious and devastating disease that affects the blossoms, shoots, and branches of infected trees. It spreads through insects, rain, wind, and pruning tools. The symptoms include wilting, blackening, and shriveling of the affected parts, which resemble the appearance of being scorched by fire.
Bacillus amylovorus infects the host tree by colonizing its blossoms and wounds, where it multiplies rapidly and spreads throughout the tree. The bacterium produces a variety of enzymes and toxins that contribute to the disease's progression and severity. Infected trees experience reduced yield, poor fruit quality, and in severe cases, death.
The control and prevention of Bacillus amylovorus primarily involve strict sanitation and hygiene practices. These include removing and destroying infected plant parts, sterilizing pruning tools, and practicing crop rotation. In some cases, antibiotic treatments or bactericides can be used to suppress the bacterial growth and minimize the impact of fire blight.
Etymology of BACILLUS AMYLOVORUS
The word Bacillus originates from the Latin word bacillum, which means a small rod or staff. It refers to the rod-shaped structure of the bacterial cells belonging to the genus Bacillus.
Amylovorus is a combination of two words: amylo, derived from the Latin amylum, meaning starch, and vorus, derived from the Latin vorare, meaning to eat. Thus, Amylovorus refers to the ability of the bacterium to consume or degrade starch.
Therefore, the etymology of the word Bacillus amylovorus can be summarized as rod-shaped bacteria that eat starch.
