Pseudomonas solanacearum
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.