Bacterial spot

Bacterial spot is a plant disease that affects a variety of crops, including pepper, tomato, and stone fruits. It is caused by four species of Xanthomonas bacteria: X. euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, X. perforans, and X. gardneri.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bacterial spot vary depending on the host plant and the specific species of Xanthomonas involved. However, common symptoms include water-soaked lesions on leaves, fruit, and stems, which may later turn necrotic and fall out, leaving holes. On fruit, the lesions often become raised and corky.

Disease Cycle

The Xanthomonas bacteria that cause bacterial spot can survive in crop debris or on the surface of seeds. They are spread by rain or irrigation water, and can enter plants through natural openings or wounds. Once inside a plant, the bacteria multiply and spread, causing disease.

Management

Management of bacterial spot involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and sanitation, and the use of resistant varieties and chemical controls. Seed treatments can also be used to reduce the risk of disease.

Economic Impact

Bacterial spot can cause significant yield losses in affected crops. In addition to reducing yield, the disease can also lower the quality of the harvested produce, affecting its marketability.

See Also

• Plant pathology
• Xanthomonas
• Crop rotation
• Seed treatment

References

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