ANS 3- Bacterial Plant Diseases:

Characteristics:

Bacterial plant diseases are caused by various pathogenic bacteria, which can infect a wide range of
plant species. These bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that can reproduce rapidly
under suitable environmental conditions. They typically invade plant tissues, disrupting normal
cellular functions and leading to disease symptoms.

Symptoms:

Bacterial plant diseases can manifest in several ways, including wilting, leaf spots, cankers, and
rotting. Common symptoms include yellowing or browning of leaves, water-soaked lesions, and
stunted growth. Bacterial diseases often cause plant tissues to break down, resulting in the release of
foul-smelling compounds.

Transmission:

Bacterial diseases in plants are primarily spread through contaminated tools, soil, water, and infected
plant material. Rain, wind, and insect vectors can also facilitate bacterial transmission. Once bacteria
enter a plant, they can survive in plant tissues and continue to spread through the vascular system.

Example: Bacterial Canker in Tomato (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis):

Tomato bacterial canker is a devastating disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp.

michiganensis. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and the development of dark, sunken
lesions on stems, leaves, and fruit. This pathogen is primarily transmitted through contaminated
seeds, tools, and splashing rainwater.

Management Strategies (Prevention and Control):

1. Use Disease-Free Seeds: Start with disease-free tomato seeds to prevent initial infection.

2. Crop Rotation: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same area for consecutive years to reduce
soilborne bacteria.

3. Sanitation: Maintain strict hygiene practices by sterilizing tools, equipment, and greenhouse
surfaces to prevent bacterial spread.

4. Resistant Varieties: Choose tomato varieties that are resistant to bacterial canker.

5. Copper-based Sprays: Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure, particularly in

wet conditions.

6. Pruning: Prune infected plant parts and destroy them to limit the spread of bacteria.

7. Irrigation Management: Avoid overhead irrigation to minimize bacterial splashing.

 Viral Plant Diseases:

Characteristics:

Viral plant diseases are caused by a diverse group of viruses that consist of genetic material (either
DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. These pathogens are obligate intracellular parasites,
meaning they can only replicate within host plant cells.

Symptoms:

Viral diseases in plants can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including mosaic patterns, leaf curling,
yellowing, stunting, and necrosis. These symptoms are often the result of disrupted cellular functions
and altered growth patterns.

Transmission:

Viruses are typically transmitted via various vectors, including insects (e.g., aphids, whiteflies),
nematodes, and mechanical means (e.g., contaminated tools, sap contact). Once a plant is infected,
the virus can spread systemically through the plant's vascular system.

Example: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV):

Tobacco Mosaic Virus is a well-known example of a viral plant disease. It infects a wide range of
plants, including tobacco, tomatoes, and peppers. Symptoms include mosaic patterns on leaves, leaf
curling, and reduced fruit quality. TMV is primarily transmitted through mechanical means, such as
contaminated hands or equipment.

Management Strategies (Prevention and Control):

1. Vector Control: Control insect vectors (e.g., aphids) through insecticides, physical barriers (e.g.,
row covers), and habitat management.

2. Sanitation: Maintain strict hygiene practices to prevent mechanical transmission. Avoid touching
healthy plants after handling infected ones.

3. Resistant Varieties: Choose plant varieties that are resistant to specific viruses when available.

4. Rogueing: Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent further virus spread.

5. Virus-free Plant Material: Start with virus-free plant material, including certified disease-free
seeds and cuttings.

6. Isolation: Isolate infected plants from healthy ones to minimize virus spread within the crop.

7. Post-harvest Handling: Handle harvested produce carefully to avoid contamination.

In conclusion, bacterial and viral plant diseases differ in their characteristics, symptoms, and
transmission methods. While bacterial diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria, viral diseases are
caused by viruses. Effective management strategies for both types of diseases involve a combination
of prevention and control measures, emphasizing the importance of sanitation, vector control, and
the use of disease-resistant plant varieties. By implementing these strategies, farmers can minimize
the impact of bacterial and viral diseases on their crops and promote healthier plant growth.