PRO*ACT

SPECIALTY PRODUCE

GROWERS / SHIPPERS

Food Safety Alerts

Glossary of Terms
with Photos

GLOSSARY OF TERMS WITH PHOTOS

Listed below are some of the terms used to describe produce quality defects and a short definition of the term. Search our database for more terms and definitions.
TERM				GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Big Vein Associated with: Cold Temperatures				Cleansing of the tissue next to leaf veins makes veins appear enlarged. Plants may fail to form a tight head.
Brown Bead (Broccoli only) Associated with: Warm Temperatures				Flowering beads within the broccoli crown turn brown as head matures. Caused by many factors: lack of nutrients, warm temperatures, rapid growth and fertilizer/chemical burn.
Burst Associated with: Warm Temperatures				Growth crack affecting three or more cap or head leaves.
Decay				General Necrosis or breakdown of tissue. May be exterior or interior.
Epidermal Peel (E.P.) Associated with: Cold Temperatures				Cold injury where blister has ruptured. Will peel and quickly become discolored allowing access for pathogens.
Frost Damage Injury due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms include: Blister, Epidermal Peel, Discoloration, and Dehydration.
Frost Dehydration (Frogskin) Associated with: Cold Temperatures				Occurs when freezing ground temps pull moisture from the plant back into the soil causing dehydration. Leaves will look somewhat crinkled or curled.
Frost Discoloration Associated with: Cold Temperatures				Yellowing or feathering of leaves after exposure to cold temperatures.
Growth Crack Associated with: Warm Temperatures				Horizontal separation (crack) of mid rip on head affecting not more than two cap leaves. Caused by rapid growth spurt i.e. warm temperatures, heat, fertilizer, water.
Mildew (Downey) Associated with: Cold Temperatures				White powdery growth usually on underside of leaf. Lesions form distinct pattern, delineated by leaf veins. Favors cool moist conditions.
Mold Spotting (Cauliflower & Cabbage) Associated with: Warm Temperatures				Mold growth on curd or cap due to moisture and humid conditions.
Ribbon Burn Associated with: Hot Temperatures				Brown discoloration along internal leaf edges in various stages of breakdown. Allows entrance for bacteria and pathogens, which can cause decay.
Rice Associated with: Hot Temperatures				Curd appears uneven and fuzzy (ricey) as floral parts rapidly grow up through head. Brought on by warm temps curing curd development.
Spread (Cauliflower & Broccoli) Associated with: Hot Temperatures				Spread or separation of the curd or crown.
Sun Discoloration Associated with: Hot Temperatures				Discoloration of curd or cap due to direct sun exposure.
Tip Burn Associated with: Hot Temperatures				Edges of internal leaves are brown and discolored. Provides an entry site for rot-producing organisms. Many contributing factors including moisture, heat, nutrient deficiency, and sudden water stress.
Water Spotting (Broccoli) Associated with: All Temperatures				Early stages of spot decay due to water or moisture settling on or within the crown.
Weak Tip				Beginning of, or very light stages of, tip burn.
Wind Burn Associated with: Hot/Windy Conditions				Discoloring of leaf edges. Leaves appear tattered and torn.
Yellow Fringe Associated with: Hot/Cold Temperatures				Yellowing of leaf edges/tips usually associated with fertilizer burn (too much fertilizer) or soil compaction associated with heavy rains.