Root Rot Complex – Symptoms and Management

Root rots are caused by multiple fungal and fungal-like organisms and the host range can vary widely, making root rot complex important for most crops and crop rotations. Favourable conditions for root rot include moist-wet soil and other environmental conditions that cause plant stress and reduce growth, such as cool temperatures or nutrient deficiency. Root rot pathogens are soil-borne, attacking plant roots. Many pathogens can attack plants at all growth stages. Generally speaking, symptoms include poor emergence and root development, yellowing, discolored roots as well various lesions on root or stem tissue near the soil line. It can be very difficult to distinguish root rot pathogens from one another, however, it can be helpful in determining the best management strategy. There are no in-crop management options, so prevention is key.