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Seedling Disease and Damping-off Photo Identification

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  • Pest Type: Disease
  • Crops Affected: Peanuts
  • Scientific Name: Pythium spp.
Symptoms
Seedlings fail to emerge from the soil (preemergence damping-off), or will suddenly wilt and die shortly after emergence (postemergence damping-off). Roots or stems near the soil line show a reddish brown to black decay. Affected seedlings frequently wilt under hot temperatures.

Disease Cycle
Species of Pythium naturally inhabit the soil. The population density of Pythium spp. in soil is significantly higher in fields where peanuts are grown successivley instead of rotated. Infection in plant tissue is influenced by soil moisture, soil temperature, pH, cation composition, light and the presence of other organisms.

Control Measures
Fungicide seed treatments effectively control seedling disease in most instances. Also, sound agronomic practices should be used to help ensure a good stand. These include seedbed preparation, use of a raised seedbed to promote drainage, planting high-quality seed with good vigor, and planting at recommended soil temperatures and depths.



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