Basal rot

Symptom

Sclerotium stem rot, caused by the Sclerotium fungus, severely affects young plants, often leading to seedling mortality. Infected plants exhibit yellowing and eventual desiccation. At the base of the stem, where it contacts the soil, rotting occurs, accompanied by the presence of white fungal mycelium and small, white sclerotia resembling mustard seeds. As the disease progresses, these sclerotia darken to brown. This pathogen is responsible for both soilborne and seedborne infections. The disease is most prevalent in warm, humid conditions.