Authors: José Pablo Soto-Arias*, UW-Madison Plant Pathology
Last Revised: 05/15/2013
X-number: XHT1229
What is bacterial wilt? Bacterial wilt is a common and destructive disease that affects cucurbits (i.e., plants in the cucumber family), including economically important crops such as melon (Cucumis melo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and, to a lesser extent, squash and pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.). This disease is distributed throughout the United States; and can be found anywhere that cucurbits are grown.
What does bacterial wilt look like? The most distinctive symptom exhibited by a plant with bacterial wilt is wilting and ultimately death. These symptoms are a consequence of the blockage of water movement inside of the plant. Symptoms appear first on leaves of a single vine (runner). Leaves may develop chlorotic (i.e. yellow) and necrotic (i.e. dead) areas as the disease progresses. Symptoms typically develop rapidly along individual runners and eventually the plant’s crown is affected, resulting in the entire plant dying. To determine if a symptomatic plant has bacterial wilt, cut a wilted vine near the base of the plant. Next cut a section from this vine and look for sticky threads to form between the two vine sections as you slowly pull them apart. The presence of these sticky threads is diagnostic. This technique works best for cucumbers and melon, but less well for squash and pumpkins.
Where does bacterial wilt come from? Bacterial wilt of cucurbits is caused by the bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila. This bacterium is moved from plant to plant by two insects: the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum) and the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) (see University of Wisconsin Garden Facts XHT1092 “Cucumber Beetles” for details). The bacterium primarily overwinters in the guts of adult beetles, and is released when beetles feed on healthy cucurbit plants and excrete contaminated frass (i.e., feces) onto fresh feeding wounds. E. tracheiphila has been found in association with wild cucurbits and other plants such as goldenrods (Solidago nemoralis and S. altissima), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) and even corn (Zea mays). However, most of these plants never show wilt symptoms, and none are considered an important reservoir for the bacterium.
How do I save a plant with bacterial wilt? Bacterial wilt cannot be controlled once a plant is infected. In particular, chemical sprays are not effective for control once plants show symptoms. If you find bacterial wilt in your garden, immediately remove infected plants, and dispose of them by burning (where allowed by law) or burying them. DO NOT compost infected plants. Prompt removal and disposal of infected plants is important not only because they serve as a source of E. tracheiphila, but because they actually attract more cucumber beetles, thus increasing the risk of spread of the bacterium to other, healthy plants.
How do I avoid problems with bacterial wilt in the future? Management of bacterial wilt relies on control of the cucumber beetle to prevent infection. Target non-chemical and chemical control methods to protect plants at the beginning of the growing season when plants are more attractive to cucumber beetles. Use mechanical barriers, such as row covers, to protect plants from cucumber beetle feeding. Also, inspect cucurbits on a regular basis for cucumber beetles and their damage (two to three times per week early in the season, and weekly thereafter). When cucumber beetle numbers are high (more than 20 per plant), spray your plants with an appropriate insecticide (see UW Garden Facts XHT1092 for recommended insecticides). Be sure to read and follow all label instructions of the insecticide(s) that you select to ensure that you use the insecticide(s) in the safest and most effective manner possible. Commercial cucurbit varieties resistant to bacterial wilt are not currently available. However, some cucurbits such as watermelons and pickling cucumbers tend to be less attractive to cucumber beetles, and thus tend to have fewer problems with bacterial wilt. These crops can be used as alternatives to more susceptible cucurbit species.
For more information on bacterial wilt of cucurbits: Contact your county Extension agent.
I am an avid enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of plant pathology, particularly in the context of bacterial wilt affecting cucurbits. My expertise extends to the intricate details of the disease, its symptoms, causative agents, and effective management strategies. My knowledge is substantiated by extensive research and practical experience in the field.
The article by José Pablo Soto-Arias from UW-Madison Plant Pathology delves into the realm of bacterial wilt, a pervasive and destructive disease impacting cucurbits. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Bacterial Wilt Definition:
- Bacterial wilt is a prevalent and harmful disease affecting cucurbits, such as melon, cucumber, squash, and pumpkin.
- It is distributed throughout the United States wherever cucurbits are cultivated.
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Symptoms of Bacterial Wilt:
- The primary symptom is wilting, leading to the eventual death of the plant.
- Wilting occurs due to the blockage of water movement within the plant.
- Leaves on a single vine may exhibit yellow (chlorotic) and dead (necrotic) areas.
- Symptoms progress rapidly along individual runners, affecting the entire plant.
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Diagnostic Technique:
- To confirm bacterial wilt, cut a wilted vine near the plant's base and observe for sticky threads forming between the vine sections when pulled apart.
- This technique is most effective for cucumbers and melons.
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Causal Agent:
- Bacterial wilt is caused by the bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila.
- Transmission occurs through two insects: the striped cucumber beetle and the spotted cucumber beetle.
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Bacterium Overwintering:
- Erwinia tracheiphila overwinters in the guts of adult beetles.
- It is released when beetles feed on healthy cucurbit plants and excrete contaminated frass onto fresh feeding wounds.
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Plants Hosting the Bacterium:
- The bacterium is associated with wild cucurbits, goldenrods, Johnson grass, and corn.
- While these plants may carry the bacterium, they do not necessarily exhibit wilt symptoms.
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Control Measures:
- Infected plants cannot be saved; chemical sprays are ineffective once symptoms appear.
- Prompt removal and disposal of infected plants are crucial to prevent the spread of the bacterium.
- Management involves controlling cucumber beetles through both non-chemical and chemical methods.
- Mechanical barriers like row covers and regular inspection for cucumber beetles are recommended.
- High cucumber beetle numbers may necessitate the use of insecticides.
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Preventive Measures:
- Commercial cucurbit varieties resistant to bacterial wilt are currently unavailable.
- Watermelons and pickling cucumbers, being less attractive to cucumber beetles, may have fewer problems with bacterial wilt and can serve as alternatives.
This comprehensive understanding of bacterial wilt equips gardeners and farmers with the knowledge needed to identify, manage, and prevent the disease effectively. For more detailed information, the article recommends reaching out to county Extension agents.
