Damping Off
fungusPythium / Rhizoctonia / Fusarium spp.
Soilborne disease complex killing seedlings at or below soil line. Most common cause of seedling failure.
Identification
Seedlings fall over at soil line. Stem pinched and water-soaked at soil level. Seeds rot before emerging. Fuzzy mold on soil surface.
Damage & Symptoms
Seedling death before or just after emergence. Thin, weak stands. Patches of missing seedlings.
Organic Control
Use sterile seed-starting mix. Chamomile tea drench. Cinnamon on soil surface. Do not overwater.
Chemical Control
Mefenoxam (Ridomil) drench. Thiophanate-methyl. Etridiazole.
Prevention
Sterile potting mix. Good drainage. Do not overwater. Provide air circulation. Avoid crowding. Sow at proper depth. Warm soil before planting.
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm