BACTERIUM ALLII Meaning and
Definition
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Bacterium allii, also known as the onion bulb rot bacterium, is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Bacterium. It is classified within the phylum Proteobacteria, class Gammaproteobacteria, family Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterium allii is predominantly associated with the rotting of onion bulbs, causing a significant economic impact on onion crops worldwide.
This bacterium is characterized by its rod-shaped cells, typically measuring around 2-4 micrometers in length. It is motile, possessing peritrichous flagella which enable it to move in liquid environments. Bacterium allii is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive and grow in both aerobic (oxygen-rich) and anaerobic (oxygen-deficient) conditions.
The symptoms of Bacterium allii infection in onion bulbs include soft decay, slimy texture, offensive odor, and the presence of white to yellowish bacterial ooze. The infected bulbs may also exhibit browning and discoloration in their outer layers. Additionally, the bacterium can cause the development of secondary infections by other fungi and bacteria, further deteriorating the quality of the crop.
The pathogenicity of Bacterium allii is attributed to the production of pectinolytic enzymes, specifically pectate lyases and polygalacturonases, which aid in the degradation of the plant cell wall, leading to the rotting process.
Efficient management of Bacterium allii relies on preventive measures such as crop rotation, seed treatment, and maintaining proper hygiene during cultivation and storage. Antibiotics and copper-based compounds can also be employed in severe cases.
Etymology of BACTERIUM ALLII
The term "Bacterium allii" seems to be a combination of two separate words: "bacterium" and "allii".
1. Bacterium: The word "bacterium" is the singular form of "bacteria". It originated from the Greek word "baktērion", meaning "staff" or "rod". The term was introduced by German biologist Ferdinand Cohn in 1854 to describe microscopic, rod-shaped organisms.
2. Allii: In this context, "allii" seems to refer to the genus Allium, which includes various species of flowering plants, mainly from the onion family (Alliaceae). The word "Allium" comes from the Latin name for garlic.
