Plant guide:ðĨĶ Broccoli
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Fungal
Downy Mildew on Broccoli
Commonly affects: Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli)
Pale yellow patches appear on the upper leaf surface, with a white-grey downy growth on the underside directly beneath, most common on young seedlings.
Potential Causes
- 1Fungal water mould favoured by cool, humid conditions
- 2Overhead watering keeping foliage wet for extended periods
- 3Overcrowded seedlings restricting airflow
Solution Steps
- 1Thin seedlings for better airflow
- 2Water at the base rather than overhead
- 3Remove and destroy affected leaves promptly
- 4Apply a copper-based fungicide if the problem is severe
Prevention Tip
Downy mildew is most damaging at the seedling stage â good airflow and base watering from the start prevent most cases.
