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Bacterial
stripe (black chaff), is not caused by a fungus but a bacteria Xanthomonas
campestris pathovar translucens, is a widespread disease that attacks all
above-ground parts of the plant. This disease probably has been in Arkansas for
many years but often has been misdiagnosed as Septoria leaf or glume blotch.
Symptoms first appear on leaves as small water-soaked brown spots at the edge of
leaves or between the veins that elongate over time. Chlorosis (yellowing) may
be associated with the lesions. These elongated lesions are the basis for the
name "bacterial stripe". Under a microscope masses of bacteria can be seen to
stream from cut ends of a lesion, and this can be used as a diagnostic tool to
identify bacteria] stripe. Lesions may grow together to kill large areas of a
leaf and soon turn dry and brown. Some fungi may sporulate in the old lesions to
mask the bacterial stripe, symptoms. It is important to distinguish bacterial
stripe from fungal diseases because foliar fungicides will not control bacterial
stripe.