crown gall

noun

a bacterial disease of plants (especially pome and stone fruits and grapes and roses) which forms excrescences on the stem near the ground (Freq. 7)

• Hypernyms: ↑plant disease

• Hyponyms: ↑hairy root

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noun

1. : a disease of various plants especially destructive to pome and stone fruits, grapes, and roses caused by a bacterium (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) which forms tumorous enlargements mainly just below ground on the stem — see black knot 4, hairy root

2. : crown wart

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Plant Pathol.

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.

[1895-1900]

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crown gall noun

A disease of plants, esp fruit trees, caused by a bacterium (Agrobacterium tumefaciens), forming tumours along roots and shoots

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Main Entry: ↑crown

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crown gall,

a tumorous growth caused by a bacillus that occurs in all parts of the world and attacks a variety of crops, such as orchard trees, sugar beets, and raspberries.

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n. a bacterial disease of plants, esp. fruit bushes and trees, that is characterized by large tumorlike galls on the roots and lower trunk. ● This disease is caused by the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens

■ a gall of this type