Bacterial wilt affecting the entire plant. Disease is caused by a soil-borne bacterium, Ralstonia solanacearum. Bacterial wilt damage results in stem discoloration. In the early stages of disease development, the vascular system appears yellow or darker brown. White bacterial streaming from the stem indicates presence of bacteria in the plant.

Stem discoloration caused by bacterial wilt. The vascular system becomes dark brown as the disease progresses. When the plant is completely wilted, the cortex and pith become brown as well.