Erwinia rot is a bacterial disease caused by Erwinia species that causes soft rot in banana rhizomes. It produces the enzyme pectinase which breaks down pectin and damages plant storage tissues. Symptoms include yellowing and whitening of leaves, foul odor, and soft blackened roots. Preventive measures include avoiding wet conditions, crop rotation, and cleaning gardens and tools. Control measures include using Bourdex mixture, antibiotics like streptomycin, and bacteriophages which are viruses that target specific bacteria and can control the disease without harming plants.