Pathogen: Multiple including Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp.

Hosts: Very large host range.

Symptoms: Damping-off is a general term describing disease problems that occur while seeds are germinating or shortly thereafter, causing pre- and postemergence disease problems. Very young seedlings can be infected causing rapid seedling death.

Spread: Damping-off disease problems are generally caused by soil-borne pathogens. Avoid planting in infested soil or infested sites and reusing plug trays.

Management: Maintain good sanitation. Avoid overwatering and limit frequent, light waterings. Germinate seedlings at recommended temperatures to promote rapid germination and development of seedlings. See specific pathogens for more detailed information.