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Title: Cantaloupe Cultivar Differences as Opportunistic Hosts for Human Pathogenic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella

Author
item DUFFY, BRION - AGROSCOPE CHANGISN-WADEN
item Ravva, Subbarao
item Stanker, Larry

Submitted to: European Journal of Horticultural Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2007
Publication Date: 2/1/2008
Citation: Duffy, B., Ravva, S.V., Stanker, L.H. 2008. Cantaloupe Cultivar Differences as Opportunistic Hosts for Human Pathogenic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella. European Journal of Horticultural Science.73(2):73-75.

Interpretive Summary: Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses caused by pathogenic bacteria are increasingly being linked to fresh produce. Animal manure is a potential pathogen reservoir, and the close proximity of dairy operations and croplands in California cannot be ignored. We have worked on developing improved detection methods for pathogns, and on understanding how manure management systems affect the chemical environment on dairies. Our long-term goals are to develop intergrated manure management systems that reduce pathogen numbers on dairies, thereby reducing chances for food contamination in the field. Data on survival and growth of a foodborne pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7, as influenced by the nutrients and other components of wasterwater from manure lagoons are presented.

Technical Abstract: A significant influence of plant genotype at the cultivar level was observed for survival and opportunistic root colonisation by Escherichia coli O157;H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson on canteloupe. Our results demonstrate the potential for cultivar selection as a novel approach to reduce preharvest contamination of canteloupe plant surface by human pathogenic bacteria.