Arugula

Eruca sativa

1. Identification and origin

Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.), also known as Persian mustard or wild rocket, is an annual vegetable of the Brassicaceae family, cultivated for its young leaves of pungent flavour and characteristic aroma. The species originates from the Mediterranean region and Western Asia, currently being widely cultivated in intensive horticultural systems, both outdoors and in greenhouses.

2. Economic importance

Rocket is a crop of high commercial value in the fresh-leaf market, forming part of salad mixes and ready-to-eat products. The short cycle (25–45 days), the high productivity and the possibility of multiple cuts make it a profitable crop. Demand has increased due to the growing interest in functional foods, given its content of glucosinolates, vitamins and antioxidant compounds.

3. Botanical characterization

Rocket is an annual plant of low habit, with deeply cut leaves, of dark-green colouring and tender texture when young. The leaves have a pungent flavour due to the presence of glucosinolates. The flowering stem is erect and branched, emerging rapidly under high temperatures or long photoperiods. The flowers are white or yellowish, with dark veins, typical of the Brassicaceae. The fruits are elongated siliques containing small, spherical seeds. The root system is taproot-type and relatively superficial, sensitive to compaction.

4. Soil and climate requirements

Rocket adapts well to temperate climates, with optimal temperatures between 10 and 22 °C. It is sensitive to excessive heat, which induces early bolting and loss of leaf quality. It prefers light, well-drained soils, of loamy to sandy-loam texture, with pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular humidity is essential to avoid fibrous or excessively pungent leaves. The short cycle allows cultivation almost all year round in regions of mild climate, being common in intensive horticultural rotations.

5. Main pests

• Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) — typical leaf perforations
• Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae) — leaf curling and transmission of viruses
• Cabbage fly (Delia radicum) — root damage and wilting
• Caterpillars (Pieris brassicae, Plutella xylostella) — defoliation
• Mites (Tetranychus urticae) — chloroses and reduction of photosynthesis

6. Main diseases

• Downy mildew (Hyaloperonospora parasitica) — angular spots and necroses
• Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum) — white coating and reduction of photosynthesis
• Alternaria blight (Alternaria spp.) — leaf spots and loss of quality
• Root rots (Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp.) — death of seedlings
• Viruses transmitted by aphids (e.g.: TuMV) — mosaics and deformations

7. General crop management

The management of rocket is based on integrated practices that ensure rapid growth and high leaf quality. Direct sowing is the most common practice, requiring well-prepared soils and constant humidity for uniform germination. Crop rotation is essential to reduce the incidence of soil diseases and pests specific to the Brassicaceae. Watering must be regular, avoiding fluctuations that cause fibrous leaves or excessively intense flavour. Fertilization must be balanced, with moderate levels of nitrogen to avoid growth that is too tender and susceptible to diseases. The monitoring of flea beetles, aphids and downy mildew is fundamental, especially in humid conditions or of high density. Harvesting must be carried out at the young stage to guarantee adequate texture and flavour.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Eruca sativa
• CABI – Crop Protection Compendium – Eruca sativa
• Rubatzky, V. E., & Yamaguchi, M. (1997). World Vegetables. Springer.
• Holm, Y., et al. (2001). Bioactive compounds in rocket salad. Phytochemistry Reviews, 1, 345–354.
• Koike, S. T., et al. (2007). Diseases of Vegetable Crops. APS Press.