What kind of management practice can help control watery soft rot?

Crop rotations are an effective management practice for controlling watery soft rot, which is commonly caused by bacteria such as Erwinia spp. Crop rotation breaks the life cycle of pathogens by disrupting their habitat and food sources. By alternating crops that are not susceptible to the pathogens responsible for soft rot, the buildup of these microorganisms in the soil is minimized. This reduces the risk of infection in subsequent crops.

Other methods, such as increasing soil moisture or planting in the shade, can inadvertently create favorable conditions for the bacteria that cause soft rot, leading to higher disease incidence. Additionally, relying solely on chemical fungicides is not ideal because fungicides are usually effective against fungal pathogens, not bacterial ones like those causing soft rot. Therefore, crop rotations are a sustainable and holistic approach that aids in managing this specific plant disease.