Photo and text used courtesy Clemson University |
Bacterial Wilt of Tomatoes caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas solanacearum. Rapid, sudden wilting of the entire plant denotes this disease. Pith of the main stem near the soil line is usually brown at first, but soon develops a slimy rot. Bacteria attack numerous other plants, especially in the Solanaceae (night shade) and legume families, and may live in the soil for many years. Wilt is more apt to be a problem on newly cleared land or fields that have been in weeds for several years. Tomoto varieties show poor resistance. |