bacterial wilt of cantaloupe

Bacterial wilt of cantaloupe-The complex biology of bacterial wilt makes managing this pest difficult. Bacterial wilt is caused by a bacterium vectored by the striped or spotted cucumber beetle. Bacterial wilt is quite common every year and can be recognized by the wilt and decline of affected plants. 

Figure 1. The wilted and collapsed area on the margin of this leaf is due to bacterial wilt of cantaloupe. Figure 1. The wilted and collapsed area on the margin of this leaf is due to bacterial wilt of cantaloupe. Note also the areas of the leaf eaten by cucumber beetles.
Figure 2. Cucumber beetle feeding can be observed on this cantaloupe leaf. Figure 2. Cucumber beetle feeding can be observed on this cantaloupe leaf. If insect frass enters the area that has been fed upon, bacterial wilt may result.
Figure 3. Quick field test for possible bacterial wilt. Figure 3. Quick field test for possible bacterial wilt. Stringy, viscous sap may indicate presence of E. tracheiphila, causal pathogen of bacterial wilt.
Figure 4. General wilt of cantaloupe caused by bacterial wilt. Figure 4. General wilt of cantaloupe caused by bacterial wilt.