The research was led by Oregon State University scientists worked with researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service on the study. The bacterium causes crown-gall disease, which impacts more than 100 plant species including fruit trees, roses, grapevine, nursery plants, and shade trees. For example, plasmids spread antibiotic-resistant genes, a pressing problem for human and animal health. Their spread amplifies the spread of disease. With the ability to separately analyse the bacteria from the plasmid, the researchers found many cases in which plasmid transmission perpetuated disease spread.

Source: Hindustan Times June 06, 2020 13:18 UTC