Introduction to Fungal Diseases of Cabbage
- Cabbage is susceptible to several economically important fungal diseases.
- Fungal pathogens affect yield and quality.
- Early identification and management are crucial for disease control.
- Integrated approaches are recommended for sustainable management.
Wirestem (Rhizoctonia solani)
- Pathogen: Rhizoctonia solani.
- Symptoms: Stem constriction at base, stunted growth, seedlings may break at ground level.
- Favored by mechanical injury and wet conditions.
- Management: Use certified disease-free transplants, avoid injury, ensure good drainage.
Fusarium Yellows (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans)
- Pathogen: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans.
- Symptoms: Leaf yellowing, wilting, stunted growth, twisted stems, unilateral midrib curvature.
- Soil-borne and persists for years.
- Management: Grow resistant varieties, crop rotation, use disease-free seed.
Blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans / Phoma lingam)
- Pathogen: Leptosphaeria maculans (Phoma lingam).
- Symptoms: Light brown stem lesions with purplish margins, black dots (pycnidia), cankering at base.
- Seed and residue-borne.
- Management: Use disease-free seed, hot water seed treatment, crop rotation, sanitation.
Alternaria Leaf Spot / Target Spot (Alternaria brassicae & A. brassicicola)
- Pathogen: Alternaria brassicae, A. brassicicola.
- Symptoms: Circular brown to black spots with concentric rings and yellow halos.
- Seedborne and airborne spread.
- Management: Remove crop debris, seed treatment, crop rotation, fungicide application.
Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae)
- Pathogen: Plasmodiophora brassicae (plasmodiophoromycete, not true fungus).
- Symptoms: Root galls, wilting, stunted and yellow leaves, premature bolting.
- Favored by acidic, moist soils.
- Management: Use clean seedbeds, long crop rotations, lime soil to raise pH, resistant varieties.
Damping Off (Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani)
- Pathogens: Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani.
- Symptoms: Seedling collapse, wet rot at stem base, missing or wilted seedlings.
- Favored by high moisture and poor drainage.
- Management: Use sterilized soil, raised beds, good drainage, biocontrol agents.
Downy Mildew (Hyaloperonospora brassicae / Peronospora parasitica)
- Pathogen: Hyaloperonospora brassicae (formerly Peronospora parasitica).
- Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surface, white fluffy growth below, leaf drop, black spots on curds.
- Favored by cool, moist conditions.
- Management: Resistant varieties, crop rotation, debris removal, avoid leaf wetting, fungicides.
Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum)
- Pathogen: Erysiphe cruciferarum.
- Symptoms: White powdery growth on upper leaf surfaces, reduced vigor.
- Favored by dry, warm conditions.
- Management: Resistant varieties, fungicides, avoid excess nitrogen, reduce drought stress.
White Blister (Albugo candida)
- Pathogen: Albugo candida (oomycete, not true fungus).
- Symptoms: White blisters on leaf undersides, yellow patches above, stem distortion, leaf galls.
- Favored by cool, moist weather.
- Management: Resistant varieties, crop rotation, fungicides.
Ring Spot (Mycosphaerella brassicicola)
- Pathogen: Mycosphaerella brassicicola.
- Symptoms: Grey leaf lesions with black dots in concentric rings, reduced growth, delayed harvest.
- Spread by seed and debris.
- Management: Hot water seed treatment, fungicides, remove infected plants and debris.
White Mould / Sclerotinia Rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, S. minor)
- Pathogens: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, S. minor.
- Symptoms: Water-soaked lesions, fluffy white mycelium, black sclerotia inside stems.
- Favored by high humidity and dense canopy.
- Management: Improve air circulation, avoid injury, crop rotation, remove infected debris.
Bottom Rot (Rhizoctonia solani)
- Pathogen: Rhizoctonia solani.
- Symptoms: Tan or brown lesions on outer leaves, rapid head rot.
- Favored by wet, poorly drained soils.
- Management: Raised beds, proper fertilization, maintain plant health.
Phytophthora Root Rot (Phytophthora megasperma)
- Pathogen: Phytophthora megasperma.
- Symptoms: Leaf margin discoloration (red/purple), root and stem rot, plant wilting and death.
- Favored by poorly drained soils.
- Management: Improve drainage, crop rotation, soil treatments, fungicides.
Summary: Integrated Disease Management in Cabbage
- Use disease-free seed and resistant varieties.
- Practice crop rotation and field sanitation.
- Maintain proper drainage and avoid plant injury.
- Apply fungicides judiciously as needed.
- Monitor regularly for early detection and control.