In severe infections, a milky gray exudate may be squeezed from the cut end of leaf exhibiting symptoms.
Brown spots on the margin of the cotyledon characterized plants[citation needed] This disease is caused by a common bacterium that persists in soil and water and is spread by wind-driven rains.
[citation needed] Bacterial blight develops on the upper leaves of during periods of cool, wet weather, after the plants have reached the boot stage.
Warm, dry weather stops the disease and new emerging leaves may be relatively free of bacterial infection.
[citation needed] Although detailed studies have not been conducted, damage to the flag often occurs suggesting that yield losses may reach 10–15%.