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Bacterial Streak and Bulb Rot of Sweet Onion: II. Epiphytic Survival of Pseudomonas viridiflava in Association with Multiple Weed Hosts

A semiselective agar medium (T-5) was used to sample environment and plant material as a habitat for Pseudomonas viridiflava. Soil, irrigation water, soybean foliage, and foliage from various weeds in an onion-growing area were assayed over a 5-year period. P. viridiflava was recovered only as an epiphytic resident from weed species that included cutleaf evening primrose, dandelion, common fumitory, purple cudweed, spiny sowthistle, Virginia pepperweed, and wild radish. The bacterium apparently overseasons in association with these weeds, because its presence was detected prior to, as well as during, the onion-growing season. Preliminary tests indicated that weed control may suppress bacterial streak and bulb rot levels.