Soft Rot (bacterium - Erwinia carotovora): The bacterium enters through mechanical wounds or following damage caused by other diseases, insects or frost. Once the disease is established, it may spread rapidly in the field under warm, wet conditions. There is no practical control of the disease once it becomes established and losses will increase during transit and marketing. Infected or damaged lettuce should not be packed; lettuce waiting to be shipped should be kept refrigerated.
