Disease Directory

    Rhizoctonia Root Rot

    Rhizoctonia solani

    Fungus
    Roots
    Stems

    Overview

    A soil-borne fungal disease causing damping off, root rot, and stem cankers in a wide range of plants. The fungus survives as sclerotia in soil and plant debris and is favored by warm, moist conditions.

    Symptoms

    Reddish-brown, sunken cankers on stems at or near the soil line. Root rot with brown, firm lesions. Damping off of seedlings. Wire stem in brassicas. Brown patch in lawns. Web blight on foliage in humid conditions.

    Environmental Conditions

    Humid

    Prevention

    Rotate crops. Avoid planting too deep. Ensure good drainage. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen. Use clean transplants. Avoid compacting soil.

    Management

    Improve drainage. Apply biological controls (Trichoderma). Fungicide seed treatments. Avoid excessive irrigation. Remove infected plants. Solarize soil between crops.