The "Canker" Or "Black Leg" Disease of Cabbages and Cauliflowers

Abstract

The disease of cabbages and cauliflower caused by the fungus phoma lingram (Fr.) Desm .known a. ''Canker'' in Britain and as "Black leg:' in the United States and elsewhere, has long been present in Europe. An early description of the fungus appeared in Germany in (791 and it was described as a disease of cultivated BNJukos in France in 18411. II was established in Australia and New Zealand by 1987 and was first reported in the United States in 1911. In South Africa the disease is recorded as occurring in Natal in 1913 and in the United States in 1911 it did not reach Kenya until 1944, when damage was caused to cabbages being grown for seed at an altitude of 7,700 feet. There is a little doubt that the fungus was brought to Kenya in consignment of seed from abroad.