Root rots are soil-based pathogens that infect plants through their root systems.
They fall into basically three types;
- Pythium root rot which invades the root tips, causing black rot to develop.
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.
- Phytophthora root and crown rot attacks the root tips and stems, forming brown rot.
Symptoms; These act in a similar manner to phythium; however, these diseases also manifest in the stems.
Control; Avoid overwatering, grow in well-drained soil and practice good garden hygene with prompt removal of affected plants.
- Verticillium wilt clogs the water-gathering tissues.
Symptoms; Limp appearance and accelerated wilting.
Control; Avoid planting in previously affected areas and fumigate the soil.