Use Disease-Free Seed: Start with healthy, disease-free seed or transplants. Ensure that the seed is treated with hot water or approved bactericides to reduce the risk of introducing the bacteria to the field.
Crop Rotation: Rotate cabbage crops with non-cruciferous plants for at least three years to reduce the buildup of the bacteria in the soil.
Sanitation: Remove and destroy any infected plant debris, including infected cabbage heads and leaves, from the field. This helps reduce the source of inoculum for future infections.
Field Hygiene: Practice good field hygiene by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting tools, equipment, and machinery before use to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Irrigation: Avoid overhead irrigation, as it can create conditions for disease spread. Use drip irrigation or water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness.
Resistant Varieties: Consider planting cabbage varieties that have some level of resistance to black rot. Resistant varieties can help reduce disease incidence and severity.
Chemical Control: In severe cases, copper-based bactericides labeled for black rot control can be used. Consult with local agricultural extension services or experts for suitable bactericide recommendations and application instructions.