Damping-off

Pathogen: multiple including Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp.

Hosts: a very large host range

Symptoms: Damping off is a general term used to describe disease problems that occur while seeds are germinating or shortly thereafter, causing pre- and post-emergence disease problems. Very young seedlings can be infected causing rapid seedling death.

Spread: Damping off disease problems are generally caused by soilborne pathogens. Avoid planting in infested soil, or infested sites and reusing plug trays.

Management: Maintain good sanitation. Avoid overwatering and limit frequent light waterings. Germinate seedlings at recommended temperatures to promote rapid germination and development of seedlings. See specific pathogens for more detailed information.

Delphinium plugs in plug tray damping off
Delphinium plugs in plug tray damping off
Mycelium in canopy of infected plugs
Mycelium in canopy of infected plugs

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