Bacterial Wilt

• Rapid wilting of one or more vines — often overnight — despite adequate soil moisture
• Wilt starts in one branch and spreads to the whole plant within days
• Sticky bacterial ooze in the cut stem: cut a wilted stem and touch the cut ends together — the ooze stretches into threads
• No root rot or other visible damage at the soil line
• Cucumber beetles present on or near the plant

Erwinia tracheiphila is carried exclusively by cucumber beetles (striped and spotted). The bacteria overwinter in the beetles' gut and are transferred to plant tissue through feeding wounds and beetle feces. Once inside, the bacteria multiply in the xylem, blocking water transport. There is no cure once a plant is infected. Butternut squash and most melons tend to be less susceptible than cucumbers and summer squash.

1. 01Control cucumber beetles early and aggressively — before they feed on young plants
2. 02Cover transplants with floating row cover until flowering; remove for pollination
3. 03Remove and dispose of infected plants immediately — they cannot be saved and may continue to attract beetles
4. 04Plant resistant or less-susceptible varieties: 'Saladin,' 'Marketmore 76,' and bitter-free cucumbers tend to have some tolerance
5. 05Rotate cucurbits to reduce beetle populations building in the same area

If you're losing cucumbers to bacterial wilt in multiple consecutive seasons, an extension office can advise on variety selection and whether the beetle pressure in your area warrants targeted intervention beyond row cover.

• Bacterial Wilt of Cucurbits— University of Maryland Extension
• Bacterial Wilt of Cucumbers and Muskmelons— Ohio State University Extension