Bacterial crown rot

Photo: L Vawdrey and R Fullerton

• The bacteria cause the leaves of the papaya plant to yellow and die
• Stems and crown often develop discoloured, water-soaked areas
• Fruit can also be infected and become water-soaked and unsaleable
• Disease is responsible for significant losses overseas and occurs in Malaysia, the Caribbean and the Mariana Islands
• Could be introduced on plant material or by visitors who have come into contact with infected plants

High priority pest of: Papaya

Scientific name: Erwinia papayae
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Bacteria