Diseases of Arugula

Arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) is a low-growing leafy green cultivated for its tangy flavor. Wild rocket (E. sativa vesicaria) and a perennial species (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) are two variants that are also grown and originated in the Mediterranean region. Enjoyed for centuries, arugula’s popularity has risen dramatically over the last two decades, with the advent of ready-to-eat salad mixes and television shows featuring international cuisine in ever-expanding popular media. This chapter includes seven fungal diseases of arugula, several occurring on related leafy greens often grown in close proximity to arugula, and others more specific to Eruca species. Important fungal diseases include Alternaria leaf spot, downy mildew, Fusarium disorders, Pythium damping-off, powdery mildew, Rhizoctonia seedling blight, and white rust. There are three major bacterial diseases of arugula (bacterial leaf blight, black rot, and bacterial wilt) and one important viral disease (turnip mosaic). Four diseases caused by fungal pathogens of only local significance are anthracnose, clubroot, Myrothecium leaf spot, and Plectosphaerella leaf spot. Four additional viral pathogens are impatiens necrotic spot virus, radish mosaic virus, tomato chlorosis virus, and turnip ringspot virus.