Ash, G. 2000. Blackleg of oilseed rape. 2000. The Plant Health Instructor.DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2000-1111-01
Updated, 2005.

DISEASE:  Blackleg

PATHOGEN:  Leptosphaeria maculans (teleomorph)
                           Phoma lingam(anamorph)

HOSTS:  oilseed rape including canola (and a number of other brassica or crucifer crops such as cabbage)

Author
Gavin Ash
Charles Sturt University,
Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia

Although blackleg is an important disease of cabbage and some other brassica (crucifer) crops including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, rutabaga, and turnip, it is the most important disease of oilseed rape, including canola, with a potential to devastate the crop. Oilseeds are one of the most valuable agricultural crops in world trade.

A canola field in full bloom. (Courtesy G. Ash)