Damping-off/ Root Rot

Symptom

Damping-off/ Root off is caused by several fungi including Pythium, Rhizotonia, and Fusarium. It is favored by cool and wet soils which slow seed germination and seedling growth. Failure of seedlings to emerge from the soil (pre-emergence damping-off) or sudden wilt and death of seedlings shortly after emergence (post-emergence damping-off) are symptoms of Damping-off disease. A reddish brown to black decay of the roots, or the stem near the soil line are commonly observed on infected plants. Affected seedlings frequently wilt under hot temperatures because of the root and lower stem dysfunction.