Bacterial Wilt

Bacterial wilt is a serious disease of tomatoes. Symptoms include a rapid wilting of the leaves with no leaf yellowing or spotting. The bacteria enter the roots and move into the pith or innermost part of the stem. The stem pith will first turn brown and then develop a watery rot. Eventually the plant withers and dies.

Control: Remove and destroy infected plants--including the roots. Currently, no chemical controls are available. Remove crop debris at the end of the season. Each year rotate planting sites. Raise planting beds to improve drainage. Select partially resistant cultivars such as 'Neptune' and 'Tropic Boy.'