3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

5 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Bacterial wilt, caused by the bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila, is a serious threat to melon and cucumber production nationwide. It is less of a threat to squash and pumpkin crops and is uncommon among other cucurbits.

Vegetable

• Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo; C. maxima; C. moschata; C. mixta)
• Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima)

Symptoms vary with the crop. Individual runners or whole cucumber or melon plants wilt and die rapidly. Wilt symptoms may appear at any growth stage but are most often noticed early in the season while the plants are growing rapidly. Affected runners first appear dark green and then wilt and die. An easy way to diagnose bacterial wilt is to sever a runner close to the crown, rejoin the cut surfaces for a moment, and then slowly pull them apart again. If the bacterial wilt pathogen is present, you will notice sticky strands connecting the cut surfaces as they are pulled apart.

The pathogen is spread by contaminated striped and spotted cucumber beetles as they feed on plants. The bacterium is not seedborne, and there is no evidence that it survives in the soil.

Control of striped and spotted cucumber beetlevectors.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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