Abstract: | Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora can be detected very effectively in lily bulbs by anaerobic incubation of the bulbs followed by homogenization of the scales and plating of the diluted sap onto crystal-violet pectate medium. This technique, compared with bulb treatments without preliminary anaerobic incubation, also improves the possibility of recovering E.c.carotovora overall at low storage temperatures in the long term. Differences among Lilium cultivars regarding the interaction with E.c.carotovora probably exist; the bacterium multiplied at a higher rate in bulbs of cvs Enchantment, Mont Blanc, Star Gazer and Yellow Blaze. The technique could allow inspection of lily bulbs before planting. |