An embodiment of the invention is a treatment for the mitigation and prevention of systemic infection of plants using materials derived from bactericidal metals wherein one metal is silver. The candidate bactericidal metal is preferably introduced in metallic, nanocrystalline, salt form, chelated form, or otherwise coupled form. Metal atoms, ions, molecules, clusters, or particles in concentrations between 0.001 to 100,000 parts per million (ppm) may be employed, wherein the preferred concentration of silver is sufficient to suppress bacterial viability. The bactericidal principle is preferably introduced to the plant by injection, ballistic insertion, pneumatic insertion, mechanical insertion, manual insertion, root application, aerosolization or spray in order to effect the treatment and prevention of systemic plant infections by bacterial agents of disease or reduced productivity.