Damping off

For other uses, see Damping off (disambiguation).

Author:Joseph LaForest, University of Georgia

Introduction

The term damping off describes a general symptom. While not indicative for any one disease, it can provide clues to allow diagnosticians to identify the causal agent.

Symptoms

Young plants initially appear stunted then quickly wilt and die. These symptoms are produced as a result of the pathogen destroying the root system or another agent disabling the plants ability to take up water. The plant cannot maintain the turgor of its cells or perform basic vital functions without water.

Causal agents

A wide variety of pathogens can cause damping off this includes Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani (Target spot of Tobacco), Cylindrocladium spp. and Fusarium spp. It may also occur as the result of abiotic conditions that inhibit the normal functioning of a plants roots. Similar symptoms may also occur if other parts of the plants vascular system are damaged. This may include stem cankers and vascular wilt.

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