Damping Off
Seeds fail to germinate, or young seedlings suddenly collapse after emerging. The stem near the soil surface becomes thin, soft, and water-soaked before the seedling falls over and dies. White or gray fungal growth may sometimes be visible on the soil surface.
Seeds fail to germinate, or young seedlings suddenly collapse after emerging. The stem near the soil surface becomes thin, soft, and water-soaked before the seedling falls over and dies. White or gray fungal growth may sometimes be visible on the soil surface.
Damping off is caused by several soil-borne fungi and fungus-like organisms, including Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium species. Cool, wet soil, poor air circulation, overcrowding, and contaminated growing media create ideal conditions for infection.
Remove infected seedlings immediately to prevent the disease from spreading. Reduce watering, improve ventilation, and allow the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings. If necessary, use a suitable fungicide labeled for damping off prevention.
Use clean seed trays and sterile growing media, avoid overwatering, provide good airflow, sow seeds with adequate spacing, and water from the bottom whenever possible. Healthy growing conditions greatly reduce the risk of damping off.