Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn
Published: 03/19/2019
Bacterial leaf streak is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas vasicola. The disease has been observed on field corn, seed corn, popcorn, and sweet corn.
Symptoms of bacterial leaf streak are tan, brown, or orange lesions that occur between the veins of the corn leaves. Lesions are long, narrow, and less than 1 inch to several inches long. Lesions also can occur close to the leaf midrib or across the leaf blade. Bacterial leaf streak lesions look similar to those caused by gray leaf spot (GLS), except they have wavy margins while GLS lesions appear more rectangular with straighter edges. If backlit, bacterial leaf streak has long, yellow halos that extend from each lesion, unlike GLS lesions.
Based on what is known about other bacterial diseases, the pathogen that causes bacterial leaf streak likely survives in corn residue and is spread by wind and rain/irrigation.
Lesions of bacterial leaf streak lesions have "halos" when backlit.
Image: T. Jackson-Ziems
Narrow leaf lesions characteristic of bacterial leaf streak.
Image: T. Jackson-Ziems
Currently, there is little information available for managing bacterial leaf streak. Field observations suggest that corn hybrids differ in susceptibility. Once hybrids can be screened for resistance, using resistant hybrids will be the best way to manage bacterial leaf streak. Like other bacterial diseases (such as Goss's wilt) there are no effective chemical controls. We do not recommend tillage to reduce the risk of bacterial leaf streak due to the need to manage soil erosion. While bacterial leaf streak has been most commonly observed in overhead-irrigated fields, it is also known to occur under both flood irrigation and dryland conditions. Researchers are investigating possible effective management strategies and potential sources of resistance.
For additional information see the Bacterial Leaf Streak publication.
Narrow leaf lesions characteristic of bacterial leaf streak.
Narrow leaf lesions characteristic of bacterial leaf streak.
Narrow leaf lesions characteristic of bacterial leaf streak.
Bacterial leaf streak lesions have visible, bright yellow halos when backlit.
Bacterial leaf streak lesions can expand to cover large areas of the leaf.
In extreme cases of bacterial leaf streak infection, large necrotic areas may be observed.
Bacterial leaf streak in the upper canopy is more common after tasseling.
Observing bacteria streaming from an infected leaf is the first step to diagnose this disease.
This publication was developed by the Crop Protection Network, a multi-state and international collaboration of university/provincial extension specialists and public/ private professionals that provides unbiased, research-based information to farmers and agricultural personnel. This information in this publication is only a guide, and the authors assume no liability for practices implemented based on this information. Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others that may be similar. Individuals using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
©2023 by the Crop Protection Network. All rights reserved.
