Greenhouse - Bacterial Blight on Geranium

The following is a short article on bacterial blight of geranium from the University of Maryland.

Geranium bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii, was observed this week. Symptoms of this important disease of geranium include small brown leaf spots, yellow and/or brown wedge-shaped areas on the leaves, and wilting and eventual plant death. There is no cure for infected plants – sanitation and early detection are the most effective management strategies. The pathogen can be spread through infected cuttings and splashing irrigation water, and can lead to significant losses. Because other diseases and disorders can mimic bacterial blight symptoms, it is important to have symptomatic plants checked by a diagnostic laboratory. More information on this disease can be found at the following Penn State University website: http://www.ppath.cas.psu.edu/extension/plant_disease/bactbl_g.html

Reprinted from the May 16, 2008 edition of the Greenhouse TPM/IPM Weekly Report from the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension.