Bacterial Wilt 

It seems like all kinds of exotic or unusual diseases attack our produce garden and this one’s no exception.

There you are, religiously watering everyday, making sure the soil’s moist, apply the compost and mulches 

Then without explanation or warning, leaves start to wither or wilt at random and sooner rather than later, your whole plant dies.

Let’s find out what can be done about this problem.

I'm talking with Steve Falcioni from www.ecoorganicgarden.com.au

PLAY: Bacterial Wilt_24th October 2018

The bacterial wilt can be the result of fungus, bacteria or a virus that is spread via the soil.

Bacterial wilts largely affect plants in the Solanaceae family.

• It starts off with the plant growing really well, but then over a few days, bit by bit, leaves start to wilt, then the whole plant dies.
• On examining the stem, you'll find that it's brown inside.
• That's because the bacteria has damaged the roots, making uptake of water and nutrients very difficult.

 In this case it's a soil borne bacteria.

The damage is done to the roots which then can’t absorb enough water, or carry the water through the plant tissue, so then you get that wilting effect. 

The problem could have been transmitted via your footwear, garden tools, or plants bought in from another source.

Or it could have already been in your soil but if the soil isn't treated well, the bacteria numbers have built up and now can affect your plants.

Pull the affected plant out, and don’t plant the same type of plant in that same spot. 

Leave that spot fallow for 3 years or plant a green manure crop .

If you have any questions about chives, either for me or for Ian, why not email realworldgardener@gmail.com or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.