BR - Black Rot
Scientific Name: Xanthomonas campestris
Type: Bacterium
Black Rot is a disease that affects the growth of arugula, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radishes, rutabaga, Swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips, and watercress. It survives in warm wet weather and affects cabbage throughout the United States. It is spread from one field to another field by water and wind. The bacteria can infect seeds and young seedlings. Young plants infected will turn yellow, drop lower leaves, and may die. Once the plant is infected there is no rescue treatment since the infection is systemic. Symptoms include the yellowing of the leaves in v-shape or wedge-shaped patches and blackening of the internal vein. Usually only a few of the outer leaves are affected. Since the disease is spread by water, anything that can be done to reduce leaf wetness will help reduce the spread of the disease. Water the plants in the morning, instead of the watering in the afternoon or night, so the leaves have time to dry before sunset. Increase space between the plants to maximize air flow and drying of the leaves. The disease is favorable when temperatures are 75-95 F and rain, heavy fogs, and dew are present. The bacteria does not spread when temperatures are below 50 F or during dry weather. Plan on using a 3 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year, as the disease can survive in the soil for two years. Treating the infected area with fungicides can help manage the disease. The primary source of bacteria of black rot is infested seeds and in infested transplants. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties, disease-free seeds, and disease-free transplants.
EB – Early Blight
Scientific Name: Alternaria solani
Type: Fungus
Early Blight is a soil-borne disease that affects the growth of tomatoes. This disease is most common in North America. The symptoms include collar rust on the stems, circular dark spots appear on the leaves, rings surround the spots with a yellow halo, and tomatoes crack at the stem. The leaves may die and fall off the plant resulting in extensive defoliation, exposing the tomatoes to sun scald. Black spots may appear on the tomatoes. The disease can cause substantial yield loss and total crop loss. It is spread by wind and water. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. The virus can live in plant debris and in the soil. The disease is favorable when temperatures are 82-86 F and usually occur when moisture and humidity are very high. Plan on using a 2 to 3 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year, and can survive in the soil for 1 year. Fungicides can help manage the disease. Stake plants to improve air circulation. Use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry and avoid overhead irrigation. The best option is to use virus-free seeds and disease resistant varieties
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