Bacterial Canker is, as stated in the title, a bacterial disease. The heirloom garden plant mainly affected by Bacterial Canker is the Tomato. It is widespread throughout the U.S.A. especially when the weather is cool, moist and windy. It is spread to heirloom garden plants by the wind, rain, infected seeds, and debris. It enters the garden plant through wounds in its skin.

Symptoms of Bacterial Canker in Heirloom Tomatoes often affect the entire plant. Oldest Tomato leaves are affected first and they will turn downward, the small leaflets curl and shrivel. Only one side of the Tomato leaf may be affected. If you cut a stem lengthwise it may reveal a creamy white to reddish brown discoloration. Young infected Heirloom Tomato fruits are stunted and distorted and may develop small, white round spots.

Organic remedies for Heirloom Tomatoes include a hot water seed treatment. Place the seeds in 122°F water for 25 minutes to kill the bacteria. Plant heirloom varieties that are resistant or by certified disease free seed. Remember to rotate all your garden crops.