Internal Tipburn of Cole Crops: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Cole crops are a group of vegetables that belong to the Brassicaceae family. They include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. These veggies are commonly grown in home gardens and commercial farms due to their nutrient-dense properties. However, one problem that may arise during the cultivation of these crops is internal tipburn.

What is Internal Tipburn?

Internal tipburn is a physiological disorder that occurs in cole crops. It is characterized by the death of the tissue at the tip of the leaves or the curds without any visible external symptoms. The affected part of the plant turns yellow, then brown, and eventually dies. This condition is caused by a lack of calcium in the affected tissues.

Causes of Internal Tipburn

There are various factors that contribute to the development of internal tipburn in cole crops:

• Low soil moisture levels: Low soil moisture levels can cause reduced uptake of calcium by the plant's roots. This can lead to internal tipburn.
• High humidity: High humidity levels can hinder the uptake of calcium into the plant's leaves, leading to internal tipburn.
• Excessive nitrogen: Excessive nitrogen fertilization can disrupt the uptake of calcium by the plant's roots, leading to internal tipburn.
• High light intensity: High light intensity can increase the transpiration rate of the plant, leading to reduced uptake of calcium by the plant's roots.
• Boron deficiency: Boron is essential for calcium uptake by the plant. A deficiency in boron can lead to internal tipburn.

Symptoms of Internal Tipburn

The symptoms of internal tipburn are not visible externally, making it difficult to detect. However, some of the signs that may indicate the presence of internal tipburn include:

• Yellowing of leaf tips: The tips of the leaves turn yellow, then brown, and eventually die.
• Browning of curds: The curds of cauliflower and broccoli develop brown spots, which eventually turn black.

Prevention of Internal Tipburn

There are several measures that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of internal tipburn in cole crops:

• Maintain proper soil moisture: Ensure that the soil moisture levels are adequate by watering the plants regularly. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Provide adequate calcium: Apply calcium-rich fertilizers or supplements to the soil to ensure that the plants receive adequate calcium.
• Reduce nitrogen fertilization: Reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied to the soil to prevent disruption of calcium uptake by the plant's roots.
• Avoid high light intensity: Provide shade to the plants during periods of high light intensity to reduce transpiration rates and improve calcium uptake.
• Ensure adequate boron: Apply boron-rich fertilizers or supplements to the soil to ensure that the plants receive adequate boron.

An image of cabbage affected by internal tipburn.

Internal tipburn is a physiological disorder that affects cole crops and is caused by a lack of calcium in the affected tissues. The symptoms are not visible externally, making it difficult to detect. By maintaining proper soil moisture, providing adequate calcium and boron, reducing nitrogen fertilization, and avoiding high light intensity, growers can prevent the occurrence of internal tipburn and ensure healthy and nutritious cole crops.

cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, internal tipburn, calcium deficiency, physiological disorder, prevention