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.

From Washington Post

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

From New York Times

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.

From New York Times

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg