Bacterial leaf drop occurs under the same humid conditions that cause bacterial hollow stalk and bacterial black stalk. Bacterial leaf drop causes leaves to completely drop from plants, leaving just the stalk. (Photo: Robert Pearce, UK)

Under the right conditions, damage from bacterial leaf drop can be extensive. (Photo: Robert Pearce, UK)

Unlike hollow stalk, the bacterial leaf drop pathogen does not cause decay of the pith within stalks. Notice how the pith in this stalk is white and viable. (Photo: Robert Pearce, UK)