Why Does My Broccoli Look Unhealthy?

Are there any dark spots on leaves that turn brown to gray, lesions may be round or angular and may possess a purple-black margin?

Are the roots enlarged and clublike, plants are stunted with yellowish leaves that wilt during the day?

Are there any irregularly shaped dull yellow areas along leaf margins which expand to leaf midrib and create a characteristic "V-shaped" lesion?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any irregular, necrotic gray lesions on leaves, and white-gray lesions on stems?

Are there any round or irregularly shaped gray necrotic lesions on leaves with dark margins?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the seedlings dying and the stems are girdled or rotted at soil line?

Are there any small, purple spots surrounded by a ring of water-soaked tissue on leaves that mature to brown spots with olive green borders?

Do the leaves have holes in them?

Are the leaves covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery?

These symptoms indicate Alternaria leaf spot. Warm, wet conditions favor this fungal disease. Spray infected plants with copper and/or sulfur to prevent further disease development.

Enlarged and clublike roots are most likely caused by fungal disease - Club root. Remove and destroy any infected plants. Applying lime to the soil can reduce fungus sporulation.

These symptoms indicate a bacterial disease - Black rot. Prevent this disease by providing well-drained soil and by using a 2-year rotation. Plant resistant varieties. Control cruciferous weed species which may act as a reservoir for bacteria. Plant pathogen-free seed.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. A fungicidal spray may be necessary to protect your plant from further infections.

Sclerotinia stem rot (white mold) is a fungal disease that causes these symptoms. Wet weather conditions favor this disease. The disease is usually introduced to non-infected areas by infected seed. Plant only certified seed. If the disease is known to present rotate crops with non-hosts such as cereals.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Blackleg. Other symptoms include stem with sunken areas that enlarge over time. Dead leaves will stay attached to the plant. Spray plants, especially the stems, with copper at the first sign of disease.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

The most likely cause for these symptoms is a damping-off disease. Remove and destroy all infected plants. To prevent damping-off let the soil surface dry between waterings, thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding and do not add nitrogen fertilizers until plants have developed leaves.

Ringspot is a disease that requires cool, moist conditions to survive. Rotate crop to non-brassicas. Sanitize tools and equipment regularly. Apply appropriate fungicide if the disease is identified in a crop.

If the holes are small they are caused by flea beetles; large, ragged holes are caused by caterpillars. Protect young plants with row' cover until they have at least 6 leaves. Apply a BTK spray as soon as active caterpillars or feeding are observed.

These symptoms may indicate thrips. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Areas of irregular growth on plant and stunted plant growth indicate root-knot nematodes. Other symptoms are plants wilting during bright, hot days and galls on roots. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Solarizing the soil also helps in preventing root-knot nematodes.