Prevention is the most effective control for this disease. Roguing and removing infected plant parts or rhizomes is necessary. This is the most common problem of iris in Connecticut. This bacterium attacks leaf bases and rhizomes and is easily identified by its foul odor. The bacteria gain entrance through wounds, usually those made by iris borers.
Infection first appears as water-soaked margins around the borer hole in the leaf.
These progress as water-soaked streaks down the leaf. Once in the rhizomes, the bacterial rot progresses rapidly. The characteristic foul odor is one of the most diagnostic symptoms. The most effective control of this disease focuses on control of the iris borer. Additionally, setting the rhizomes shallow is helpful since this permits the sun to get to part of the rhizome.