Chatham County, June 2003Diagnosis: Bacterial Soft Rot Disease This is bacterial soft rot of broccoli brought on by the long periods of wet weather. Growers can try resistant varieties like Shogun, Arcadia, and Marathon. These resistant varieties have dome-shaped, tight heads with very small beads which make less favorable conditions for disease organisms by allowing water to run off. Also, cut heads such that the stem stump is angled to permit water run-off. Water pooling on a flat stump will provide favorable conditions for soft rot. Bacteria in rotting stem stumps can be dispersed to heads not yet harvested. Place your mouse over each photo to read the caption.    This page last updated January 16, 2006. |