Bacterial Canker
Risk near you, next 48h
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When it strikes
About
Bacterial canker (Clavibacter michiganensis in tomato; Pseudomonas in stone fruit) is a serious seed- and water-borne disease that causes wilting, cankers and fruit spotting in cool, wet conditions.
Symptoms
On tomato, one-sided leaf wilting and scorching, light streaks on stems, and 'bird's-eye' spots with white halos on fruit; on trees, sunken oozing cankers and dieback.
Organic Treatment
Remove and destroy infected plants, sanitise tools and stakes, and use hot-water-treated seed. Prune trees in dry weather and apply copper.
Chemical Treatment
Copper sprays slow spread but do not cure; no effective curative bactericide.
Prevention
Use certified clean seed and transplants, rotate for 2–3 years, disinfect stakes and tools, and avoid overhead watering.