Blackleg bacteria cause a soft rot of lower leaves and leaf material. (Photo: Kenneth Seebold, UK)

Blackened, water-soaked lesions on lower stems of affected plants are typical of the later stage of blackleg. (Photo: Kenneth Seebold, UK)

Complete collapse and death of seedlings may result from infections. (Photo: Kenneth Seebold, UK)

Bacteria can multiply quickly under favorable conditions and large numbers of plants can be lost in a matter of days. For more information on blackleg, see the Plant Pathology Fact Sheet, Blackleg of Tobacco (PPFS-AG-T-04). (Photo: Kenneth Seebold, UK)