Detailed Explanation of Prevention and Control Methods and Occurrence Patterns of Chinese Cabbage Soft Rot

Chinese cabbage soft rot is one of the most common bacterial diseases in Chinese cabbage production, and together with viral disease and downy mildew it is known as one of the three major diseases of Chinese cabbage. The disease mostly occurs during the heading stage, mainly affecting the base of the leaf stalks and the head, and in severe cases the entire plant rots and collapses, greatly affecting yield and quality.

In the early stage of the disease, water-soaked lesions often appear at the base of the outer leaves, after which the tissue softens and rots, the leaves wilt and drop off, and the rotting parts generally give off a distinct foul odor. Disease is more severe in plots with high temperature and high humidity, standing water in the field, and low-lying terrain, and when watering is too frequent or there are many wounds caused by insect damage, the disease spreads and propagates more easily.

Agricultural control is the foundation for controlling soft rot. When planting, it is advisable to rotate with non-cruciferous vegetables, choose plots with higher terrain and convenient drainage and irrigation, and adopt high-bed or ridge cultivation. After rain, drain promptly, take care to avoid bruising the plants during field operations, and control pests such as cabbage caterpillars and root maggots early to reduce opportunities for the pathogen to invade through wounds.

Diseased plants should be pulled out promptly and taken out of the field for disposal, and the diseased planting holes can be disinfected by spreading lime. Chemical control generally begins in the early stage of the disease or before heading, and agents targeting bacterial diseases such as agricultural streptomycin and zhongshengmycin can be used, with spraying focused on the base of the leaf stalks and the surrounding ground, applied several times in succession at intervals of several days.

It should be noted that the key to controlling soft rot lies in early prevention and early treatment; relying solely on spraying chemicals often has limited effect, and measures such as drainage and moisture control, pest control to prevent wounds, and cleaning the field should be combined. With comprehensive management in place, the disease can usually be controlled fairly well.