Damping Off

soil-borne diseases - Damping Off

A serious problem affecting many young plants can be reduced by using these proven, organic techniques.

The soil-borne fungal disease, which affects seeds and new seedlings, usually refers to the rotting of stem and root tissues above and below the soil surface. In most cases, the affected plants germinate and grow well, but within a few days, they become soaked in water, become succulent, fall to the ground and die.

Many fungi cause seed and seedling decay, including Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Phytophthora. However, species of soil fungus madness are often the culprits. Moisture usually occurs when old seeds are planted in cold, moist soil and poor soil drainage is further increased. High humidity, fertile pot soil, and very deep planting will encourage its growth.

Fungal spores live in the soil and are primarily a problem in seedbeds. They can be taken home with garden tools and garden soil or in the greenhouse.

Note: Primary plants are rarely killed by moisture as the production of secondary stem tissues creates a protective barrier and controls fungal infiltration.

Treatment

There is no treatment for plants that are already wet. However, the problem can be easily prevented by providing good air circulation. It is enough to break the lid of a small fan or sprouting plate. Mycostop, a biological fungicide, can also be used as a seed treatment to prevent seed or soil-borne diseases. Other steps to prevent moisture include:

When starting seeds indoors, use good organic potting soil or disinfect your own potting soil in an oven.

Make sure your seed starter mixture drains lightly and quickly.

Plant the seedlings so that the soil surface is close to the top of the container to ensure proper air circulation.

Sow the seeds thinly to prevent congestion, which can lead to damp, damp conditions.

Seedling trays that provide water from the bottom are preferable to overhead irrigation.

Do not water more than in the afternoon so that the soil and plants dry out by evening.

Avoid excessive watering for tender seedlings.

Organocide is an earth-sized systemic fungicide that works on the entire plant to combat a large number of disease problems. Dig up the soil or apply foliar spray (3-4 tablespoons/gallon of water) to prevent and attack many fungal problems including madness, fusarium, and root rot.

Tip: Actinovate Lawn & Garden contains Streptomyces litigious, a naturally occurring soil bacterium found in healthy soil. When used as a soil rot or leaf spray, it stabilizes itself in the roots and leaves of plants and provides protection against the root, stem, and foliar diseases. Actinovate is listed on the OMRI for use in organic gardens.