The First Polish Isolate of a Novel Species <i>Pectobacterium aquaticum</i> Originates from a Pomeranian Lake

• Main Authors: Weronika Babinska, Agata Motyka-Pomagruk, Wojciech Sledz, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Zbigniew Kaczynski, Ewa Lojkowska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: <i>Pectobacteriaceae</i>; pectinolytic bacteria; soft rot; blackleg; monitoring; natural waterways
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/9/5041

Pectinolytic bacteria from the genus <i>Pectobacterium</i> cause high economic losses in various crops, vegetables, and ornamentals including potato. Thus far, these strains have been isolated from distinct environments such as rotten or asymptomatic plants, soil, and waterways. The prevalence of soft rot <i>Pectobacteriaceae</i> in different depths of Pomeranian lakes was performed by a qualified scuba diver over 2 years of monitoring. It allowed for the isolation and broad characterization of a strain from the newly established species <i>Pectobacterium aquaticum</i>. Phylogenetic analysis on the sequences of <i>dnaX</i> and <i>recA</i> genes revealed the highest similarity of this strain to <i>P. aquaticum</i> CFBP 8637^T. In addition to the determination of analytical profile index (API 20E), we discovered that this strain possesses a smooth form of a lipopolysaccharide with O-polysaccharide consisting of mannose, glucose, and abequose. Moreover, the characterized strain, described as <i>P. aquaticum</i> IFB5637, produced plant-cell–wall-degrading enzymes, such as pectinases, cellulases, proteases, and was capable of macerating potato and chicory tissues under laboratory conditions. In view of more frequent irrigation of seed potato fields resulting from the ongoing climate warming, it is important to monitor the occurrence of potential disease-causing agents in natural waterways.