Questions on: Broccoli/Cauliflower Ron Smith, Horticulturist, NDSU Extension Service

Q: Can broccoli leaves be eaten? (e-mail reference)

A: Yes, from a nontoxic standpoint, but why would anybody want to?

Q. The last three years my broccoli-cauliflower (not my cabbage) have been developing a soft root problem. First the plants wilt and then finally fall over.

What can I do about this problem? (Dazy, N.D.)

A. It sounds like your crops are being affected by verticillium or fusarium wilt. Both attack the susceptible plants through the roots, then the spores move into the transpirational stream of the vascular tissue, causing tissue collapse or wilts.

Unfortunately, both are very successful saprophytes, so they can remain in the soil a long time.

I suggest crop rotations along with the use of resistant cultivars of these vegetables.

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