FIRST REPORT OF BACTERIAL HEAD ROT DISEASE CAUSED BYPECTOBACTERIUM ATROSEPTICUM ON SUNFLOWER IN PAKISTAN

is an important oil seed crop in Pakistan. During a field visit at National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan bacterial head rot disease caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum (formly Erwinaia caratovora subsp. atroseptica) has been observed on both local and exotic hybrids of Sunflower crop. Pathogenicity test has been carried out to fulfill Koch’s postulates. White and creamy colony growth was observed upon isolation and purification of the bacteria. Biochemical tests were conducted at Crop Diseases Research Institute (CDRI), NARC, Islamabad. Pathogenicity test has confirmed the presence of Pectobacterium atrosepticum on sunflower. This is first report documented this pathogen on sunflower crop in Pakistan.