Seedling blights (Aphanomyces euteiches, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium spp., Botrytis cinerea)

Seedling blight caused by Rhizoctonia spp

Seedling blights: biology

Usually caused by soil-borne fungi that attack plants when conditions are unfavorable. The same fungi cause root rots of older plants. Different fungi are favored by different weather conditions.

Seedling blights: damage description

Seedling blight may cause very poor stands which require re-seeding. The photo available here is a late seedling blight caused by Rhizoctonia. Notice girdling at the base of the stem.

Seedling blights: management

Seedlings die before emergence. Shortly after emergence, stem bases become pinched off and seedlings die (damping-off). Older seedlings show wirestem symptoms in which the stem below the ground and upper tap root are constricted and rot. Plant seed with high vigor into a firm seeded. Pack soil to bring moisture in good contact with the seed and ensure rapid emergence. Seed treatments help reduce seedling blights.

Recommended solution

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