Production Limitations of Arugula in the Northeast

Bacterial Disease

These bacterial pathogens of arugula have a wide host range and can cause similar symptoms on many other Brassica crops. Bacterial diseases typically thrive in humid, water-soaked plantings. Suggested management practices include removing infected plant debris, maintaining good airflow in plantings, and avoiding overhead irrigation if possible.

Bacterial Blight (Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis) on arugula can be identified by small chlorotic-bordered lesions that will coalesce and spread under wet conditions. This pathogen thrives in cooler weather.

Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris)is recognized by a V-shaped lesion originating at the leaf margin. These lesions become necrotic and will spread downward into the leaf. This pathogen thrives in warmer weather.

Other Production issues

Flea Beetles

One of the most limiting factors to arugula production is flea beetle damage. These insect pests feed on most crucifer crops and can totally devastate plantings if not managed with row cover. Many growers avoid growing arugula outdoors during the spring-summer season when flea beetles are most active.

Fleas Beetles cause shot-hole damage on the leaves of arugula and many other Brassica leafy greens. These insects are either jet-black or black with gold stripes.

Early Bolting

Arugula is fast-growing and is often grown to harvest multiple cuttings. Arugula will bolt quicker under higher temperatures, decreasing flavor quality. This can also limit the number of cuttings a grower can get per planting. Some Northeast growers only plant arugula in winter high tunnels for this reason.

Bolting is the stage of budding right before flowering. To avoid early bolting, grow arugula in cooler temperatures like a late fall field planting or in a winter high tunnel.

Attention Arugula Growers!

The Northeast Arugula Team was formed to improve profitability for arugula & Brassica leafy green growers in the Northeast. Please scan the QR Code to take a quick survey regarding your arugula production. Contact Cameron Cedeno (cjc315@psu.edu | 724-732-2238) if you have diseased arugula/Brassica leafy greens or if you would like to learn more.

Funded by NE-SARE LNE23-463