A pathogenic bacterium has been identified which is associated with Sudden Death disease. The bacterium can be used to generate antibodies for immunological tests. Antibacterial agents can be used to treat infected trees or to keep uninfected trees from becoming infected. The environment of an infected tree, including soil and air, can also be treated to prevent or cure infections and/or spread of infections. Antibodies can be raised agains the pathogenic bacterium and can be used for identifying the pathogenic bacterium in soil and tree samples.
