Phage therapy to control bacterial Black rot disease in Brassicas.

Phage therapy to control bacterial Black rot disease in Brassicas.

Life Sciences

Charlotte Malaure, Joshua Walmsley

Morgan Rabiey

Bacterial black rot disease, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), is a global threat to agriculture through infection of key crops such as Brassicas. Treatment options are limited - agrochemicals, such as copper compounds and antibiotics, have limited effectiveness due to bacterial resistance, and phytotoxicity in the environment. Bacteriophages, or phages, are naturally occurring viruses that specifically target and kill pathogenic bacteria and offer a promising biocontrol alternative. Our aim is to investigate the in vitro efficacy of six phages in reducing a diverse range of Xcc populations.

Bacteriophages, Phage, Phage Therapy, Xanthomonas, Black rot disease, Brassicas