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FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS


www.plantwise.org


Created in


Kenya

,

December


2012


Bacterial Soft Rot on Brassica


Recognize the problem


Soft rot is a disease among brassicas causing them to turn soft and rot with a


bad smell. It is also known as bacterial soft rot or bacterial root rot. Soft rot is


often a problem after harvest but affects the cabbage and Chinese cabbage in


the field. On turnip and rutabaga the disease may be found in the field but is


most severe during storage.


The infected heads are watery and often have a complete head rot. The


affected area becomes soft and mushy and turns dark in colour. Eventually the


bacteria, which cause the rot, decay the entire plant.


Background


The infection occurs on leaf stock which is in contact with the soil, and then


moves to the head. The bacterium is spread by water splashes or contaminated


tools such as hoes or knives. It also spreads in waterlogged soils and


contaminated water. Warm and moist conditions favour the development of the


disease. When other diseases such as black rot and damping off damage the


crop, it is easier for soft rot to get into the crop.


Management


Non-chemical control




Hands and tools should be washed and disinfected regularly during and


after harvesting.




Harvesting should not be done in warm and moist conditions.




Frequent irrigation during head formation should be avoided to allow


heads to dry.




Prevent other diseases like black rot and damping off.




Planting on ridges, raised beds or well drained soils prevents water


logging around the plants.




Harvest healthy heads early when heads are tight and put in crates that


are washed thoroughly and disinfected.




Crop rotation should be practiced and the use of clean water should be


practiced.


No chemical control measures are recommended.


Scientific name(s)


>


Pectobacterium carotovorum


subsp.


carotovorum


The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to

:

many countries where this pest or problem is present


Authors

:

This factsheet is based on information written for "The Brassica Farming


Handbook", first published by KENGAP Horticulture 2011.


Kengap Horticulture Ltd, P.O Box 12898-00400 Nairobi, Kenya


tel:

+254 722 575544; +254 723 491549

email:
books@kengap.co.ke;


www.kengap.co.ke

Edited by

Plantwise


Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI


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Lose Less, Feed More

Bacterial soft rot on cabbage.


(Photo by Kengap Horticulture)

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