| Description: |
Bacterial hollow stalk is first noticed when leaves begin to drop or turn yellow and hang down the stalk. A watery soft rot develops at the base of the affected leaves and often extends up the midrib. The disease may begin at any point of injury, but it often starts at injuries caused by topping or suckering. The pith in the center of the stalk is destroyed, leaving a hollow shell. As the disease moves down the stalk, the leaves droop. Later they drop off, leaving a bare stalk. Hollow stalk usually appears after topping or suckering and may continue to develop after the tobacco is hung in the barn, causing barn rot. Related bacteria may also cause a soft rot of lower leaves during rainy weather. |
