Keep an eye out for bacterial leaf streak

Bacterial leaf streak has been spotted in southern and central Alberta. It’s time to add this bacterial disease to your disease scouting list! It is especially important to scout for bacterial leaf streak after severe weather events such as thunderstorms or rain. Look for water-soaked lesions, bacterial ooze and necrosis on the leaves. Under favourable conditions, early symptoms (water-soaked lesions) appear as early as 3-4 days after infection occurs. Necrotic lesions usually appear 7-10 days after infection.

Carry a copy of the most updated Bacterial leaf streak factsheet with you while scouting. If you spot suspicious plants, send a sample to one of the designated labs indicated on the factsheet, and don’t forget to report the finding to Prairie Crop Disease Monitoring Network.