What bacterium is responsible for bacterial soft rot in carrots?

The correct answer highlights the specific bacterium, Pectobacterium carotovorum spp. carotovorum, that is primarily responsible for causing bacterial soft rot in carrots. This bacterium is particularly known for its ability to inflict damage on a wide range of plant tissues, leading to symptoms such as water-soaked areas, mushy rot, and a significant deterioration in the quality of the carrot.

Pectobacterium carotovorum spp. carotovorum produces enzymes that break down pectin, a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, which results in the softening and breakdown of the plant tissue. Understanding the role of this specific pathogen is vital for implementing effective management and control strategies in agricultural practices, especially for crops like carrots that are highly susceptible to this bacterial infection.

While other options may represent different bacterial pathogens, they do not specifically cause bacterial soft rot in carrots, thereby highlighting the unique impact of Pectobacterium carotovorum in this context.