Bacteria

Bacteria are single celled prokaryotic (no membrane around nucleus) microorganisms that are either free-living in soil or water or diseases of plants or animals. As a disease of plants and animals bacteria are a risk for Western Australian primary producers as they impact upon market access and agricultural production.

WA is free from some of the world's major bacterial diseases. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of bacterial diseases.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

  • biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of bacterial diseases
  • where relevant post border biosecurity measures
  • advice on widespread bacterial diseases present in the state.

For advice on bacterial diseases search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Articles

  • Psa (Pseudomonas syringae pv.

  • Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) is a serious bacterial disease of apples, pears and other plants in the rose family (Rosaceae). This disease is not present in Western Australia.

  • Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) is a serious disease of potatoes that can cause crop losses of more than 90%.

  • Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum is an exotic pest to Australia. It can affect both solanaceous and apiaceous crops.

  • The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has taken action to protect Western Australia’s citrus growers from the threat of citrus canker following confirmation that the disease

  • Dickeya dianthicola is a serious bacterium that can cause tuber soft rot and blackleg in potatoes, and can also affect some ornamental varieties, chicory and artichoke.