Bacterial Wilt
Erwinia tracheiphila
Overview
A devastating bacterial disease spread by cucumber beetles that causes rapid, permanent wilting of cucurbit crops. The bacteria multiply in the xylem, blocking water transport.
Symptoms
Sudden wilting of individual leaves or runners, progressing to entire plant. Cut stems exude sticky, white bacterial ooze that can be drawn into threads. Wilting is permanent and does not recover overnight. Plant death within days.
Environmental Conditions
Variable
Prevention
Control cucumber beetles (the primary vector) with row covers, traps, or insecticides. Plant resistant varieties. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent beetle-mediated spread.
Management
No cure once plants are infected. Remove infected plants immediately. Control cucumber beetles aggressively. Use row covers until flowering. Trap crops can divert beetles from main plantings.