crown gall

noun

Plant Pathology.

1. a disease of peaches, apples, roses, grapes, etc., characterized by the formation of galls on the roots or stems usually at or below ground level, caused by a bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

2. the gall itself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crown gall¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Damaged vines may be susceptible to crown gall as well, a disease that can eat away at a vine’s nervous system.

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“The bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens is one of the most common culprits in plant tumors and is the cause of crown gall,” she said.

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The key was a soil microbe called Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which can inject its own DNA into plants, causing a tumorlike growth called crown gall disease.

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If a pecan tree has crown gall don't plant it.

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Finally, refuse to accept any raspberry or blackberry plants showing crown gall on roots or crowns.

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