Bacterial Wilt of Solanaceae
Ralstonia solanacearum
Overview
A devastating soil-borne bacterial disease of tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant in tropical and subtropical regions. Causes rapid, permanent wilting without yellowing.
Symptoms
Rapid wilting of entire plant without prior yellowing. Wilting may affect one side first. Cut stems exude milky bacterial ooze when placed in water. Brown discoloration of vascular tissue. Plant death within days.
Environmental Conditions
Hot
Prevention
Plant resistant varieties. Rotate with non-host crops for 3+ years. Improve drainage. Use grafted plants on resistant rootstocks. Avoid contaminated irrigation water. Solarize soil.
Management
No chemical cure. Remove infected plants and surrounding soil. Solarize soil. Biofumigation with mustard family crops. Grafting onto resistant rootstocks. Biological controls (Bacillus).