Bacterial Speck
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameBacterial Speck
DescriptionBacterial speck creates tiny, pinpoint black spots (specks) on tomato leaves and fruit. Identify these 'sandpaper' lesions to protect your cool-season tomato crop.
TypeBacteria
FamilyPseudomonadaceae
GenusPseudomonas
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumProteobacteria
ClassGammaproteobacteria
OrderPseudomonadales
Features
- A common bacterial disease of tomatoes caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Unlike bacterial spot, it thrives in cool (13-24°C), wet weather
- Produces tiny (1 mm), dark brown-to-black spots (specks) on the leaves, which are often surrounded by a narrow yellow halo
- Lesions are frequently concentrated near the leaf margins, causing the leaf edges to turn brown and dry out (marginal necrosis)
- On fruit, the symptoms are very characteristic: tiny, slightly raised black specks (less than 1/16 inch) that look like they were punctured into the skin
- Fruit specks are superficial and do not penetrate deep into the flesh, but they make the tomato unsightly and unsuitable for fresh market sales
- The bacteria can survive on the leaf surface without causing symptoms until the weather becomes cool and moist enough for infection
- Spreads through splashing rain, overhead irrigation, and by handling plants when they are wet. It can also be carried on contaminated seeds
- Extremely high infestations can cause leaves to yellow and drop, reducing the plant's overall vigor and yield
- Prevent by using only certified disease-free seeds and transplants. Practice crop rotation (avoiding tomatoes for 2 years) and avoid overhead watering
- Apply copper-based bactericides early if cool, wet conditions are forecast. Disinfect tools and pruning equipment between plants
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificPseudomonas syringae pv. tomato
English (Alternate)Speck disease
Hindiजीवाणु युक्त धब्बा (Jivanu yukt dhabba - Speck)
Tamilபாக்டீரியா கருகல் (Bacteria karugal)
Teluguబ్యాక్టీరియా స్పెక్కు తెగులు (Bacteria speck tegulu)
Malayalamബാക്ടീരിയൽ സ്പെക്ക് (Bākṭīriyaal spekk)
Kannadaಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಾದ ಕಪ್ಪು ಮಚ್ಚೆ ರೋಗ (Byāktīriyāda kappu macce rōga)
Sanskritजीवाणु-कणिका (Jīvāṇu-kaṇikā)
Bengaliব্যাকটেরিয়াল স্পেক (Bacterial speck)
Frenchmoucheture bactérienne
Russianбактериальная крапчатость (bakterial'naya krapchatost')
Spanishmota bacteriana
GermanBakterielle Blattbräune
