Common bacterial blight of beans: an integrated approach to disease management in Brazil

Abstract

Common bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli and Xanthomonas citri pv. fuscans, is the main bacterial disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Brazil and in the world. The disease affects the entire aerial part of the plants, especially in conditions of high temperature and humidity. Yield losses of up to 70% have been recorded in susceptible bean cultivars. The bacteria that cause CBB are seed-transmitted, which facilitates spread over long distances. Furthermore, they survive for long periods in crop residues, and large amounts of secondary inoculum are produced in crop fields. Despite the control tactics used by farmers, CBB is still frequent in some regions. In this review, we provide an overview of the main management practices utilized for managing the disease. As so far there is no single effective control measure against the bacteria that cause CBB, the information presented here will help in the development of an integrated management program to reduce crop damage and yield losses in the bean crop.