It is a serious disease in South American countries viz Brazil, Colambia and Vanezuela  as well as in certain African countries.  The disease cause complete crop loss.  The disease is characterized by leaf spotting and blight, wilting  die back, gum exudation and vascular necrosis.  Xanthomonas manihots is identified as the primary causal organism of the disease .  the bacterium spreads through soil, infected tools, rain splashing and infected planting materials.  Use of disease free planting materials and resistant vvarieties suggested.