Bacterial wilt is a disease caused by E. tracheiphila that results in leaf drop, followed by plants turning brown and dying. This sad situation is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the internal pipes of the plant. Most plants in the squash family are susceptible except watermelons, which are immune. Bacterial wilt is spread by cucumber beetles and grasshoppers and is hard to stop once plants are infected. Your best line of defense is pest control. Remove and destroy infected plants.
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