Bacterial soft rot

Caused by: Erwinia caratovora
Problem Category: Bacterial Disease
Symptoms: Water-soaked lesions on cabbage head which expand to form a large rotted mass of cream colored tissue which is liquid underneath; surface of lesions usually crack and exude slimy liquid which turns tan, dark brown or black on exposure to air.
Comments: Bacteria are easily spread on tools and by irrigation water; disease emergence favored by warm, moist conditions.
Management: Chemical treatments are not available for bacterial soft rot, control relies on cultural practices; rotate crops; plant cabbage in well-draining soils or raised beds; only harvest heads when they are dry; avoid damaging heads during harvest.
Control: Spray 10% cow urine extract to control rot