Agrobacterium radiobacter

Agrobacterium radiobacter is the type species of the genus Agrobacterium. It was formerly incorrectly synonymized with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Unlike other members of its genus, it does not harbor a tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid, and is hence not pathogenic to plants. This species is widely found in soil, in plant rhizospheres, and in human clinical specimens. One strain of A. radiobacter, strain K1026, has been used as a biopesticide on stone fruit (such as cherries and plums), nut trees, and ornamentals to protect them from crown gall disease. A. radiobacter produces agrocin 84, a type of bacteriocin, that inhibits the growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens which causes the disease.