AVRDC International Cooperators'
Fact Sheet

Crucifer Disorders
 

Tipburn


Found worldwide

 burning of leaf tips
Damage Symptoms

Symptoms occur in cabbage and Brussels sprouts. As the heads approach maturity, inner leaves become necrotic along their margins. Margins of one of more leaves turn brown beginning at the leaf pores. The area affected may be a narrow band or involve up to half of the leaf. Symptoms occur at one time and are not progressive. There is no external evidence that the heads are affected by tipburn.

internal damage

Brown internal streaks in Chinese cabbage

Conditions for Development

A low level of calcium in the soil is the primary contributing factor in tipburn development. Low calcium levels coupled with fluctuating soil moisture and high soil nitrogen levels are ideal conditions for tipburn development. Sensitivity to tipburn varies greatly among cultivars.


Control

The primary control for tipburn is through the use of resistant cultivars. Most of the cabbage cultivars being released now are evaluated by breeders for their tipburn reactions, and possess some level of resistance to the disorder. Soil moisture levels should be maintained relatively constant. Drought conditions or flooding in combination with low soil calcium contribute similarly to tipburn development. Addition of calcium in the form of limestone to low pH soils and gypsum to high pH soils that are low in calcium will help reduce the severity of tipburn. Avoid overapplication of nitrogen.

Last updated: 2001. 
Information from: Vegetable Diseases: A Practical Guide. Lowell L. Black, AVRDC.

AVRDC Home | Extension Materials Home | Cabbage Home