The name bacterial streak refers to water-soaked lesions on leaves, which are the most important disease symptoms in terms of potential losses. The bacteria can exist for some time in a symptomless phase on leaves of wheat. Entrance into the plant is through stomata and wounds. When wheat matures, the bacterium is harvested with the seed. When planted, the bacterium returns to the soil in crop residues.
Damage is minimal even when symptoms are apparent.
Destructive epidemics are rare and little information is documented on them. Entire leaves may be prematurely killed. If this happens before the soft dough stage , yield reductions and shriveled grain of low test weight may result. Seed stored more than 6 months is not an important source of inoculum. Source of seed and year of harvest.