Abstract
A field-scale spatial distribution of bacterial leaf blight of corn [Zea mays] in central Florida [USA] was plotted to locate a source of initial inoculum of P. alboprecipitans. Doublet analysis demonstrated a nonrandom aggregation of diseased plants. Graphs of log of infection vs. log of distance were used to compare plant-disease dispersal gradients within plots. Comparison of correlation coefficients implicated farm equipment as a means of dissemination and ditchbank weeds as a reservoir for initial inoculum. A diagnostic medium based primarily on the utilization of Lactalysate was used for the isolation of P. alboprecipitans from ditchbank flora. Long-term survival of the bacterium occurred in association with vaseygrass (Paspalum urvillei). The bacterium survived in association with vaseygrass seed and leaf tissue.