Inoculum is returned to the soil with the plant material. The bacteria overwinter on seeds, in soil, and on cured leaves. Plant Health Management Planting resistant varieties where possible. Management applied at the nursery level is best. Use of disinfected, or certified seed is important.
Seedbed sterilization is effective at reducing inoculum.
Destruction of infected plant material reduces inoculum. Transplanting only healthy seedlings helps prevent spread to the field. Avoid overwatering to help inhibit infection. Field Crop Disease Handbook , Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York. This information was prepared by Larry Osborne , Teaching Assistant 1996. .