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Gardening InformationHow To Prevent Damping Off
by:
Marilyn Pokorney
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Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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Damping off is the single term used to describe
underground, soil line, or crown rots of seedlings due to
unknown causes. The term really covers some soil borne
diseases of plants and seed borne fungi. The fungi which
cause root rot are species of Phyium, Phytophthora,
Rhizoctonia and Fusarium.
There are two types of damping off: pre-emergence and post-
emergence. In pre-emergence damping-off, seeds may rot and
seedlings may decay before they emerge. In post-emergence
damping off the seedlings emerge then may pale, curl, wilt,
and collapse from a rot at the soil line and below. The
base of the stem is generally water-soaked at 1st then
turns gray to brown or black then rots.
Vegetable seedlings often do not grow well under wet
conditions, particularly if the soil is cold and wet.
Damping off fungi flourish in moist, unhealthful
conditions.
The sickness often starts at one end of a seed tray, and
quickly spreads to the else end. A flossy plant growth
may likewise appear on the soil surface as well as on the dead
seedlings.
When preparing to plant be sure that flats, tools, plant
containers, and benches are clean. Damping off pathogens
can live in these containers. The easiest way to clean
them is to dip them in a bleach resolution for 10 seconds.
Use 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Or use 70 per centum
rubbing alcohol.
Plant in a light, well drained fertile seedbed. Sooner
use sterile soils that have been pasteurised with heat
before planting. Maintain a soil pH at the low end of the
average scale. A soil of 6.4 pH is less susceptible to root
rot than a pH of 7.5. As plants are moire the pH
gradually increases. Test often and continue to maintain a
lower pH spell the plants are still germinating. If
necessary use one tablespoon of vinegar to 1 gallon of water
to lower a rising pH level.
Plant seeds no deeper than 4 times their own thickness.
Keep the bed
soil on the dry side after planting and
allow plenty of bright light but not direct sunlight.
Use plant containers with evacuation holes, water from the
bottom only, and avoid excess watering. Do not allow pots
to stand in water as excess water cannot drain and the roots
will be starved for chemical element which wish finish all growth of
seedlings. Ne'er
water late in the day.
Avoid overcrowding and feeding of plants. Do not
overfertilize, especially with nitrogen.
For additional organic tips from the experts on damping off:
http://www.apluswriting.net/dampingoff/dampingoff.htm
Just about the author:
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
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