How to spot it

A leaf, then a vine, then the whole plant wilts and stays wilted even after watering. To check, cut a wilted stem, press the cut ends together, and pull them slowly apart: sticky threads mean bacterial wilt.

What it does

The plant dies. Cucumber beetles carry the disease from plant to plant.

What to do now

• Pull and throw away wilted plants.
• Control cucumber beetles to protect the rest.

Keep it away next time

• Cover young plants with row cover until they flower, to keep beetles off.
• Grow varieties that resist wilt.

Helpful supplies

Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Plants it affects

See also