Thermus

Thermus is a specific phytopathological condition caused by thermophilic bacteria of the genus Thermus, which primarily affect the vegetative parts of agricultural crops under high-temperature conditions. It is important to note that in classical plant pathology, this term is often associated with bacterial infections that develop due to the violation of temperature regimes during storage or cultivation in greenhouses.

The causal agent of the disease is gram-negative bacteria capable of active multiplication in extreme temperature conditions (above 45–50°C). This type of pathogen is classified as opportunistic, as it infects weakened plant tissues that are under heat stress or thermal waterlogging.

The disease affects a wide range of crops, including vegetable plants (tomatoes, peppers) and industrial crops grown in greenhouses or regions with hot climates. The main risk group consists of plants in the active growth phase when ventilation and irrigation regimes are not properly maintained, creating a favorable microclimate for bacterial colony development.

Symptoms of the infection manifest as localized necrosis, loss of tissue turgor, and characteristic darkening of the stems in the root zone. External signs include rapid wilting of leaves, while tissues acquire a watery structure followed by decay processes accompanied by a specific odor resulting from protein decomposition.

• Optimizing greenhouse temperature regimes.
• Adhering to crop rotation and soil sanitation rules.
• Using varieties resistant to heat stress.
• Applying preventive treatments with copper-based preparations.
• Controlling substrate moisture levels to prevent waterlogging.

The harmfulness of this disease lies in its rapid spread within the plant population, which, without control measures, can lead to losses of up to 40% of the yield. Given the pathogen's ability to survive in extreme conditions, managing it requires a comprehensive approach, including both agrotechnical methods and chemical disinfection of tools and structures.