Southern Bacterial Wilt

Pseudomonas solanacearum

image of Southern Bacterial Wilt damage image of Southern Bacterial Wilt damage

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Symptoms:
Rapid wilting of lower leaves, followed by wilting and decline of the entire plant signals bacterial wilt. The leaves do not change color. A slimy, gray substance oozes from cut stems.

Control:
Bacteria may infect plants from the soil or from insect vectors. Proper field sanitation and crop rotation are effective control measures. Use of disease-free transplants is important.

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Publication Revised December 2008