Dickeya spp. and Pectobacterium spp.
Updated: May 20, 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. Species within these genera vary in agricultural significance; Dickeya dianthicola and Dickeya solani are of elevated concern due to their aggressiveness, higher-temperature disease potential, and involvement in recent outbreak events in the northeastern United States.
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.
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: Autoclave cultures and contaminated materials prior to disposal as non-regulated biological waste. Given the environmental persistence of these organisms in soil and water, steam sterilization is the required default. Contact EHS if alternative inactivation methods are proposed.
Shipping Guidance: Refer to EHS Biological Materials Shipping.
Regulatory Considerations
The primary regulatory risk for SRP is agricultural, not human health. Researchers working with these organisms must be aware of applicable federal and state plant pest regulations independent of biosafety classification.
USDA APHIS (7 CFR Part 330): APHIS revised plant pest movement regulations effective August 9, 2019. Certain SRP species are included on the Native and Naturalized Plant Pests Permitted by Regulation list, for which individual permits are not required for interstate movement within the contiguous United States. Species with established permit-free interstate status include Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, and Dickeya chrysanthemi. Permit-free movement under 7 CFR 330.204 requires that isolates are pure cultures of domestic origin and free of host material, parasitoids, and contaminants.
The interstate movement status of Dickeya dianthicola, Dickeya solani, and other Dickeya spp. not listed by name in the 2019 exemptions is not clearly resolved. Researchers working with these species must confirm APHIS permit requirements with EHS prior to any interstate transfer.
Import from foreign sources and environmental release of any SRP require separate APHIS permits regardless of domestic interstate status.
NYSDAM: No standing New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regulated-organism listing for Dickeya or Pectobacterium spp. has been identified. NYSDAM Division of Plant Industry retains authority to issue quarantine orders for plant material harboring regulated pests. Researchers conducting greenhouse or field work, or working with infected plant material intended for intrastate or interstate movement, should contact EHS to confirm current NYSDAM requirements.
Contact EHS Biosafety (askEHS@cornell.edu) before initiating any transfer, importation, or field release involving these organisms.
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.