By Josie Borlongan, Garden Guides Contributor
About Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is caused by bacteria known as Xanthomonas
campestris. It is spread by rain splash and insects. Most plants
are susceptible to bacterial blights during warm, wet weather from
stem injuries from natural causes or pruning lush vegetative growth
resulting from excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Bacterial blight is
highly prevalent during spring time.
Prevention and Control
Cut off infected parts or remove infected plants and discard or
compost. Also avoid handling plants during wet weather so as not to
transfer the infection to other plants.
Affected Plants
Barley
Different types of flowers and fruit trees
Damage
Bacterial blight is starts with an appearance of a small, green
spots on the affected areas of the leaf, which then appears water
soaked. In time, these lesions then appear as dry dead spots as
they become larger. In the latter part of infection, the lesions
become more elongated, extending to the full size of the leaf.
Bacterial blight can cause discoloration of the leaves and rapid
deterioration of plant tissues thereby killing the plants.
Natural Insecticides
Copper is a natural mineral that can be applied as dust or foliar
spray. It is the strongest type of organic bactericide and
fungicide available.
Other Methods of Control
* Garden Cleanup: Remove plants and debris which are infected by
bacterial blight. Gather them and throw them away or compost.
Infected crop residue may also be buried to prevent the
spread.
* Crop Rotation: Rotate the plantings every 2 years. The severity
and incidence of bacterial blight may be reduced by rotating to
non-grain crops. Use disease-free seeds next time you plant. There
are no resistant cultivars known.
* Clean Tools: Avoid using tools on healthy plants that were used
on infected plants. Sterilize tools in warm water or by rubbing
disinfectant before using.
