Ecology of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica in the primary vegetable production chain

There is an increased concern that plants might be more important as a carrier for human enteric pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovars than previously thought. This review summarizes the knowledge available on the ecology of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica in the primary production chain of leafy green vegetables (in particular lettuce), including manure, manure-amended soil, and crop. Based on the available literature, suggestions are made for the control of these pathogens. The suggested approach of oligotrophication of agro-ecosystems fits in the wider approach to lower environmental emissions of nutrients from manure application and to enhance the suppression against plant pathogens.