White blister (Albugo candida) is a fungal disease affecting various brassica crops. It primarily infects green plant material but can spread systemically, causing severe damage.

Key Points

• Symptoms:

  • White blisters on the undersides of leaves, with yellow patches on the upper surface.
  • Systemic infections cause stem distortion and gall formation on leaves.
  • Broccoli heads may become deformed and unmarketable.

• Spread:

  • Spores spread through infected produce, crop debris, wind, and water splash.
  • Can survive on brassica weeds and crop residue in the soil, leading to recurring infections.

• Impact on Crops:

  • Reduces marketability of vegetables, especially broccoli.
  • Can stunt growth and lower yield.

Effective management includes crop rotation, removing infected debris, and controlling brassica weeds to prevent disease recurrence.