Causal Agent

The bacterium, Ralstonia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum

 

Hosts

Tomato, tobacco, and potato

 

Symptoms

Rapid wilting and death of plants without yellowing or spotting of leaves. Brown discoloration and decay are evident inside the stems of infected plants. The disease is easily diagnosed by suspending a clean, cut section of diseased stem in clear water. A white milky stream of bacterial cells and slime flow from infected stems into the water after a few minutes.

 

Control

Control of bacterial wilt in infested soils is difficult. Therefore, avoid using diseased transplants and establish plantings in non-infested soil. Soil fumigation may provide partial control, cut does not completely eliminate bacteria from the soil. When infected plants are identified, remove and destroy them immediately. Please contact your local county extension office for current information.