PLANT PATHOLOGY

Blackleg disease
Group members

 Mbasa Mxhalisa 222347716

 Sizakele Yigwana 222279893
 Luxolo Dabula 221632166
 Anele Makhubalo 222069384
 Buhlebenkosi Nkubu 221570977
INTRODUCTION

Plant pathology is a science that studies plant diseases and attempts to improve
the chances for survival of plants when they are faced with unfavorable
environmental conditions and parasitic microorganisms that cause disease. In
these slides, we will only deal with blackleg disease, it’s effect on plants and
procedures to manage it’s effect.
Blackleg disease as a localized disease

 Blackleg disease is typically confined to the stem and crown of the plant and
does not spread systemically throughout the plant. The fungal pathogen,
Leptosphaeria maculans is an example of a micro-organism that causes blackleg
disease. It infects the plant through wounds or natural openings, and then grows
within the plant tissue, causing localized lesions and damage. The disease does
not spread to other parts of the plant and it is therefore a localized disease.
Figure 1.1 below shows a plant affected by pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans on the crown.

Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2 below shows other symptoms of blackleg disease in the leaves and stems
caused by Leptosphaeria maculans.Blackleg disease is not only caused by the
Leptosphaeria maculans. There are other micro-organisms like Pectobacterium
atrosepticum, P. Brasiliense, P. parmentieri, Dickeya dianthicola, and D. solani which can
cause a blackleg disease.
 Figure 1.2 ( Symptoms of blackleg disease)
POSSIBLE LOSSES CAUSED BY BLACKLEG
DISEASE
 Economic Losses in Potatoes: A study on the economic impact of
Pectobacterium and Dickeya species, which cause blackleg and tuber soft rot
in potatoes, estimated the overall loss for the European potato sector at
approximately 46 million euros every year. This loss is distributed across the
seed potato sector (32%), the table potato sector (43% ), and the processing
potato sector (25%). The impact per hectare is highest for the seed potato
sector, with losses 2.5 times greater than for the table potato sector
 Yield Losses in Canola: In canola, blackleg disease has caused a devastating
yield loss. For each unit increase in disease severity, seed yield per plant
decreased by 1.8 grams, corresponding to a decline in yield of 17.2% for each
unit increase in disease severity. In severe epidemics, yield losses of 50% and
greater have been recorded, with up to 90% yield loss occurring in cases where
major blackleg resistance genes within certain varieties have been overcome by
this pathogen.
 Management of the plant disease in small and
large scale in agricultural basis in SA
Crop Rotation: Implementing a crop rotation with a non-host crop for at least three
to four years to reduce the life cycle of the pathogen that causes blackleg disease
can significantly reduce the risk of blackleg disease.
Use of Resistant Cultivars: Choosing cultivars with strong resistance or immunity is
one of the most effective strategies. It’s important to select cultivars with
resistance that is suitable for the specific blackleg present in the region.
 Sanitation and Hygiene: Good sanitation practices, such as removing infected
plants and cleaning up fallen plant debris can help slow or stop the spread of
blackleg.
Seed Treatments: Using certified, disease-free seeds and seed potatoes can prevent
the introduction of blackleg pathogens into the field. Enhanced seed treatments may
also provide additional protection .
Foliar Fungicides: Applying foliar fungicides can help manage blackleg, especially
when used as part of an integrated disease management strategy. However, relying
too much on fungicides poses a high risk.
 Monitoring and Assessment: Regularly monitoring crops for signs of blackleg and
assessing the level of disease can inform management decisions and help in the
early detection of the disease.
In conclusion, plants are seriously threatened by blackleg disease, especially crops like
potatoes, cabbage, and broccoli. Pectobacterium carotovorum is the culprit, and the
afflicted plant develops dark, necrotic lesions on its stems and leaves. Infected plant
debris, soil, water, and vectors like insects are the ways in which the illness is
transmitted.

Significant yield reductions, lower-quality harvested produce, and financial losses for
farmers are all possible outcomes of blackleg. Blackleg disease can be reduced by using
preventive techniques such crop rotation, cleanliness, and the use of disease-free seed
potatoes. Fumigicides can also be applied appropriately to lessen the severity of the
disease.