During the summer of 2001, a vascular stem rot of artichoke (Cynara
sco/ymus L) was reported. Gram negative, non sporulating bacteria were isolated
from the affected lesions. Colonies developed on nutrient glucose agar were greyish-
white to creamy white, smooth, round, glistening, slightly raised and visible on
isolation plates after 24h. On crystal violet pectate medium deep cup - like pits were
produced 3 days after plating. Based on physiological, biochemical and pathognnicity
tests, the bacterium was identified as a strain of Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora.