Erwinia amylovora: General Characteristics, Biochemistry and Serology

Many general characteristics of a bacterium can be assumed by its name. Nomenclatures are based on studies that provide clear and reliable placement of bacteria into groups. In this chapter, we shall present the description of the species Erwinia amylovora as given by the taxonomists. Such a description is necessarily general, gathering the common traits of individuals of the species. It provides a means to separate this species from other groups of organisms and gives a minimal picture of what is generally recognized, by microbiologists and phytopathologists, as the species E. amylovora. Then, additional information on the cultural and morphological characteristics, physiology and nutrition, serology and phage sensitivity of E. amylovora will be presented.