Infected seeds don’t germinate, instead they turn mushy and brown. Seeds may be attacked upon germination and before seedlings emerge from the soil. Infected seedlings get a dark, water-soaked area on the stem at the soil line. Damage spreads rapidly, and seedlings collapse and fall over as the stem collapses. Older plants that are infected have stem lesions that cause stunted growth, and can die.
- Level of Concern
- Gardeners take note
- What months
- May–Jun
- Treatment / Useful Links
To avoid damping off, start seeds in well drained soil and provide best growing conditions and temperatures; don’t overwater and avoiding crowding plants together; don’t plant seeds to deeply. Unfortunately, affected seedlings usually die, but you can sometimes save the rest by improving growing conditions and making them as dry as possible. Also try spraying plants with seaweed extract or neem oil.