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SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL DISEASES

Several classic VASCULAR WILTS are caused by bacterial pathogens. A prime example is bacterial wilt of cucurbits (cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, etc.). As with fungal vascular pathogens, the bacterium that causes this disease invades the water conducting tissue (xylem) of the plant and leads to a blockage of the tissue. Classic wilt symptoms result. Interestingly, this pathogen is carried around by the cucumber beetle, which introduces the bacterium into the plant when it feeds.

An insect (or any other organism) that carries around a pathogen is called a VECTOR.