Missouri On Alert Against Southern Wilt

A greenhouse in the St. Louis area and another one in the western part of the state have been effectively quarrantined after a disease that causes plants to wilt and die turned up. Southern wilt showed up in plants that originated in Kenya. Thirty-four other greenhouses in the state are being monitored for the disease as well. State entomologist Mike Brown says it poses no threat to people or animals. Brown points out this form of the wilt could survive Missouri winters. He says that is why it is so important to get the disease early. He says all indications show that it won’t have any effect on the spring gardening season.