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Vegetable Gardening

root rot on cauliflower

14 years ago

Hi,

I bought some cauliflower seedlings and they grew really nicely. But then they suddenly started to look wilted (outer leaves first) and one after another died. I pulled out the plant (see picture) to see what killed it but am not really sure. It is definitelly caused by a problem in the root since I can't see any insects and the dead plants have completely rotten roots. I thought about clubroot but the roots doen't really look like it. Could it be Rhizoctonia? I am not sure if I can see the wirestem and the leaves are not turning purple either.

I have red cabbages planted right next to the cauliflowers and radishes fairly close as well. None of them seem to be affected.

Does anybody have an idea what disease it is and what I can do to save the last cauliflowers (and cabbages and radishes) or prevent it next year?

Thanks. Manuela

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:77099}}

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Comments (7)

tcstoehr
14 years ago
It appears to me something has been nibbling on those roots, likely favoring the tender growing tips. This stunts growth and sometimes kills the plant. Often plants can survive and grow to produce a crop, but usually reduced in size and vigor.
Unfortunately, it would be hard to say what the culprit is. It could be root maggots, symphylans, wireworms. I would suspect some sort of root maggot if I had to hazard a guess, even though you couldn't find any. There are several species that will feed on cabbage family roots, and I don't think Bt will stop them.
jean001
14 years ago
Neither clubroot nor Rhizoctonia.

Likely to be cabbage maggot.

Found a good image of damage on canola root at
http://www.canola-council.org/gallery/855/pests_insects.aspx?photo=12

So I guess you'll be studying up what to do next year to avoid. For one, you need to plant in a different place.

Most likely, local agricultural/garden people in your region have info for you. In the meantime, take a look at what the University of California says at
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r108300111.html

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: damage on canola root
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skagit_goat_man_
14 years ago
cabbage root maggot?
noki
14 years ago
Cabbage maggot is common in the Midwest. The moths are white, they are attracted to cabbage family plants including Cauliflower, they lay eggs at the base of the plants and the maggots eat the roots.
skagit_goat_man_
14 years ago
I think the root maggot is fly larvae not a moths. The moth larvae eat the leaves. Sounds like the evil duo. I have lots of trouble with root maggots in my early barssicas. Tom
manuela_eli
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all the responses. I thought about root maggots as well but thought you can always see them. Is it possible that they are not visible at all? Is there anything I can do to make sure they don't start eating my red cabbage or radishes (since they are in the same family)?
skagit_goat_man_
14 years ago
You can use a lightweight row cover when you transplant out

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