(1995) that has the following scores: 0 = no symptoms; 1 = hypocotyl with small lesions; 2 = hypocotyl with large lesions, but without constriction; 3 = hypocotyl totally constricted and showing
damping-off; 4 = non-germinated seeds and / or seedlings not emerged.
If space is left between the soil surface and the rim of the container,
damping-off fungus is likely to develop in the resulting dead-air space.
Suppression of
damping-off disease in host plants by the rhizoplane bacterium Lysobacter sp.
-MUCH more daylight and (hopefully) warm sunshine now that spring has sprung means much more watering in the greenhouse and under outside cloches.Open doors and vents whenever possible so air can circulate and reduce the risk of
damping-off disease killing developing plants.
Solution: These plants have the dreaded
damping-off disease.
Seedling
damping-off disease commonly occurs when greenhouse-grown tall fescue plants are established to determine viable endophyte content of seed (Hill and Bouton, personal observation).
Keep seedlings moist enough to avoid wilting, but be careful not to overwater, which promotes
damping-off. Mulch with dark, heat absorbing mulch or black plastic for heat after soil is well warmed.