Currently, the disease is managed through the use of resistant
cultivars and systemic bactericides. However, the lack of durable
resistance, existence of pathogenic variability, and concerns about
chemical resistance has limited the potential of such strategies for
managing the disease. Recently, an increasing desire to reduce the
pesticides is seen through the attempts to develop integrated pest
management approaches, where natural resources are put to maximum use. Hence host resistance is given priority in disease
control strategy. Biological control through the use of plant
growth-promoting bacteria is high on the list of potential alternative
tactics (Nelson, 2004).