P. solanacearum has an outstanding ability to survive in water. Run of water from infested fields are a constant source for infesting open irrigation sources. The threat of contaminating seedbeds by irrigation water is minimized if the water is sterilized by chlorination. Sterilization of irrigation water by means of chlorine gas (Cl2) is inexpensive and will have no measurable effect on the chlorine (Cl) content of the tobacco. The possibility of field irrigation with chlorinated water is also discussed.