Studies on pectinase activities of isolates of Erwinia carotovora and Rhizopus sp. causing soft rot in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.)

Four isolates of Erwinia carotovora, isolated from cabbage, potato and carrot and one isolate of soft rot causing Rhizopus sp., were evaluated for their ability to cause soft rot and to produce pectinases. The results showed that all isolates varied in macerating ability and carrot isolate of E. carotovora showed the highest activity of pectinases. All the Erwinia isolates and Rhizopus isolate exhibited significant differences in pectinase activities as confirmed by cup-plate and viscometric assays. Rhizopus isolate showed the least pectinase activity as compared to bacterial isolates.