The causal organism is carried over the winter in
the crop residue and in infected seed. Once a plant
is infected, further spread occurs via insects and
splashing rain or irrigation water. During warm
spring days, lesions are visible four to five days
after infection. In cooler periods development is
slower. The bacterium will grow between
temperatures of 41-94°F (5-35°C), but is favored
by temperatures between 80-86°F (27-30°C).
Practice crop rotation for at least 2-3 years (longer
for seed crops because infested stem tissues take a
long time to be decomposed in the soil), and
incorporate crop debris. Use seed that has been
tested to be pathogen-free, or has very low levels
of the pathogen. Seed treatment with hot water or
chlorine can help reduce the amount of pathogen
on the seed. Remove symptomatic transplants.