Cabbage stem disease...

HoeDown · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 3:23 pm Post subject: Cabbage stem disease...

Hello all, I'd be grateful if someone could identify the disease in the attached photo. It's on a Primo cabbage.

Thanks,
HoeDown.

Liparis · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 8:10 pm Post subject:

Looks like stem rot. Fungal disease caused by various things but one trigger is water seedlings with chilled water while they are in the greenhouse. Another cause is overwatering when excess moisture gathers around the stem at soil level. You can buy a fungicide to reduce the problem, I can't remember if it's sulphur or Captan! Embarassed

Bill.

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 9:12 pm Post subject:

Looks like typical damping-off to me. The cure (or, rather, prevention) is to water with cheshunt compound after sowing.

michael brenock · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 10:32 pm Post subject:

it is either wirestem (rhizoctonia spp) or Phoma stem rot, the latter is usually seed borne. Cauliflower is more susceptible, there are a number of fungicides used to control them and Bill you are right in mentioning Sulphur. low temperatures with high humidity favour the development and spread of the disease. The plants are not always killed but it does impair growth. give plenty ventilation and avoid overcrowding.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)