The stem vascular system of several accessions of cultivated Brassica oleracea L. showed resistance to black rot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Pammel) Dowson. Resistance prevented systemic spread of the pathogen in the vascular system of stem. It was race nonspecific and effective at the early stage of seedling growth. A major dominant gene (Rs; resistant in stem), responsible for expression of compete stem resistance in adult plants (more than six true leaves), was found in a Chinese kale line SR1. At least one more dominant gene with additive interaction was necessary to provide complete resistance in seedlings. In progeny of a cross with a cabbage line PI436606, kale SR1 stem resistance segregated independently of race-specific resistance from a PI436606. It can be considered as an alternative mechanism of plant defense, and a highly valuable feature for crops systemically infected by black rot during propagation in commercial nurseries.Key words: black rot, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Brassica oleracea, disease resistance, cabbage, kale, broccoli.