Dickeya Pectobacterium
Updated: January 23, 2026
Summary
| Agent Type | Risk Group | Biosafety Level | Animal Housing Biosafety Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacteria (plant pathogens) | RG-1 | BSL-1 | Not applicable |
Agent Characteristics
Risk Group: RG-1 agents are not associated with disease in healthy adult humans.
Agent Type: Bacteria
Description: Dickeya spp. and Pectobacterium spp. are Gram-negative, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacteria collectively referred to as soft rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP). These organisms produce pectinases that degrade plant cell walls, causing soft rot disease in potatoes and a wide range of other plant hosts. SRP are environmentally persistent and may be found in soil and surface water.
Host Range: Plants (broad host range)
Human Health Impact: No known human disease associated with these organisms.
Health Hazards
No known adverse health effects in healthy adult humans.
Immunizations: None available
Prophylaxis: Not applicable
Agent Viability and Decontamination
| Environmental Persistence | Effective Decontamination Methods |
|---|---|
| Capable of long-term survival in soil, water, and infected plant material; may overwinter on alternative plant hosts. |
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For additional guidance, see Disinfectant Selection.
Laboratory Hazards
Primary hazards are environmental and agricultural in nature (plant disease spread and contamination). No intrinsic human pathogenic hazard is identified.
Laboratory Handling Guidelines
Laboratory Biosafety Level: BSL-1
| Training | Engineering Controls | Personal Protective Equipment |
|---|---|---|
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Waste Management: Dispose of cultures and contaminated materials as non-regulated biological waste unless otherwise directed by EHS.
Shipping Guidance: Refer to EHS Biological Materials Shipping.
Animal Vivarium Guidance
Not applicable. These agents are not used in animal models.
Exposure and Spill Response
Exposure: Wash affected skin with soap and water. Flush mucous membranes for 15 minutes if contacted. Report exposures per EHS procedures.
Small Spills: Notify lab personnel, apply disinfectant from the perimeter inward, allow adequate contact time, and dispose of cleanup materials appropriately.
Large Spills: Contact Public Safety dispatch (911 from campus phone or 607-255-1111 from mobile).
Incident Reporting: Report incidents to the supervisor and complete the EHS online injury/illness report.