Cabbage production is impaired by the occurrence of destructive
diseases, in particular foliar diseases which affect the economical
part of the plant. Alternaria black leaf spot is the most destructive
disease of cabbage and brassicas worldwide. Screening of cabbage
Alternaria leaf spot disease, in different localities of El-Sharkia
governorate, Egypt, was carried out during 2010-2011 growing season.
The disease appeared to be wide spread in cabbage fields. Isolation
procedures yielded several fungal species with variable frequencies,
but Alternaria brassicicola was the most frequently isolated one
compared with others. The pathogen was observed on leaves and
stems of cabbage seedlings and adult plants. It can also affect the
siliqua causing a severe reduction in the quantity and quality of
cabbage head or seed production.