Black Rot Disease in crucifers

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Profile

Vein blackness is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and occurs very frequently on cabbage crops, mainly on cabbage, cauliflower and savoy cabbage. The disease can massively reduce the quality of the harvested crop and lead to significant crop losses.

Damage symptoms

The first symptoms become visible ten to 14 days after infection and are manifested as irregular, yellowish discolorations along the leaf margins. As the infection progresses, these discolorations enlarge to form V-shaped brown spots with a yellow edge. The leaf veins are discolored black in the process. As a result, dry rot develops. The leaves are eventually gradually shed. In the final stage of the disease, the vascular bundles in the stalk show a closed black ring. In cabbage, cauliflower and savoy cabbage, the outer leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off. Furthermore, black spots may appear on the flower of cauliflower. On stored cabbage, the symptoms may sometimes intensify during storage.

Host plants

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris occurs on all cultivated cruciferous species, for example on cabbage plants such as cabbage, cauliflower and savoy cabbage, but also on radish or radish. The bacterium also attacks a large number of weeds from the crucifer family, such as shepherd's purse.

Distribution

The bacterium is distributed worldwide.

Propagation and transmission

The bacteria can persist in seeds, on seed bearers, winter cabbages, cruciferous weeds, and for up to two years on infected plant debris in the soil. They enter the plant through stomata, water gaps (hydathodes), or wounds and spread throughout the plant via the woody guard tissue (xylem). The gummy polysaccharide xanthan is formed. This polysaccharide and the multiplying bacteria eventually clog the vessels of the plant. In the crop, the disease is spread by cultural operations and splashing water droplets. Transmission with the seed is possible.

Economic importance

The disease can cause significant yield losses, especially in warm and humid summer months.

Prevention and control

  • Maintain a crop rotation of at least three years
  • Use healthy seeds
  • Carefully control cruciferous weeds

Last updated: 03.11.2021

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