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Root Rot Types


Overview:

Root Rots are soil-based pathogens that infect plants through their root systems.

They fall into basically three types;


Pythium Root Rot:

This type of Rot invades the Root tips, causing black rot to develop.


Rot appearing on root strands

Pythium Root Rot
Symptoms:

It blackens the bulbs, drains the water and hardens the root.

Plants stop growing and eventually die.


Control:

Avoid overwatering, grow in well-drained soil and practice good garden hygene with prompt removal of affected plants.


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Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot:

This type attacks the root tips and stems, forming Brown Rot.


Rot appearing on stem at top of root ball

Phytophthora Root Rot
Symptoms:

These act in a similar manner to phythium, and also manifests itself in the stems.


Control:

Avoid overwatering, grow in well-drained soil and practice good garden hygene with prompt removal of affected plants.


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Verticillium Wilt:

This type clogs the water-gathering tissues.


Affect appearing on  Tomato leaf

Verticillium Wilt
Symptoms:

Limp appearance and accelerated wilting.


Control:

Avoid planting in previously affected areas and fumigate the soil.