Pepper Diseases


Bacterial Wilt
Ralstonia solanacearum

Most severe in tropical and subtropical climates with high rainfall

Damage Symptoms

The initial symptom is wilting of lower leaves (or upper leaves of seedlings) followed by a sudden and permanent wilt of the entire plant without yellowing. The disease occurs in scattered plants or groups of plants. Vascular browning occurs and cortical decay is sometimes evident near the soil line. Bacterial streaming from vascular elements occurs when cross sections of the lower stem are suspended in water.

Conditions for Development

The disease affects over 200 different plant species. It is more severe on tomato, tobacco, potato and eggplant, but it can be very damaging to pepper. The bacterium survives in the soil for long periods. It gains entry through natural root wounds or wounds created by insects, nematodes or cultivation. High temperature and high soil moisture favor disease development.

Control

Use pathogen-free seedbeds to produce disease-free transplants. Fumigate plant beds and pasteurize the planting medium for container grown plants.

Rotate with flooded rice; rotation with non-susceptible crops provides limited value. Avoid cultivation that damages roots. Use raised beds to facilitate drainage. Hot pepper appears to be more resistant that sweet pepper in general. Resistant cultivars are being developed but are not yet available.