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Plant & Pest Advisory – January 14, 2026 – Andy Wyenandt
It is extremely important to know which pathogen is causing damping-off problems during transplant
production and which fungicide to properly apply. The key to controlling damping-off is being proactive
instead of reactive.
Damping-off is caused by a number of important vegetable pathogens and is very common in
transplant production and at transplanting. Common pathogens that cause damping-off include
Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spp.
Control of damping-off depends on a number of factors. First, is recognizing the conditions which may
be leading to the problem (i.e., watering schedule/greenhouse growing conditions) and second,
identifying the pathogen causing the problem. Reducing the chances for damping-off always begins
with good sanitation practices prior to transplant production.
Conditions Favoring Damping-off
Although all four pathogens are associated with damping-off, the conditions which favor their
development are very different. In general, Phytophthora and Pythium are more likely to cause
damping-off in cool, wet or overwatered soils that aren’t allowed to dry out due to cloudy weather or
cooler temperatures. Conversely, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium are more likely to cause damping-off
under warmer, drier conditions especially if plug trays are kept on the dry side to help reduce
transplant growth.
The two root rots causing the most problems in New Jersey during transplant production are Pythium
and Rhizoctonia. In general, Pythium tends to kill seedlings before or right after emergence where
as Rhizoctonia tends to kill seedlings after emergence. If you are recycling old transplant flats with
organic matter left on them from the previous season you may bring pathogens such as Rhizoctonia
back into the operation. There are exceptions to the rules, but none the less, all damping-off
pathogens can cause serious losses if not controlled properly.
Pathogen Identification
In root systems infected by Pythium, the outer cortex of the roots will slough-off if you pull the
transplant out of the plug or if you simply pull on the roots with your fingers. If your soil has been
excessively wet for periods of time because cool, cloudy weather hasn’t allowed plug trays to dry out
for extended periods (i.e. days) you may be dealing with a Pythium problem. Pythium also tends to
show up in low spots on irregular benches or the floor where plants have been sitting in water for
extended periods causing ‘wet feet’ (i.e., water-logged root systems). In root systems infected by
Rhizoctonia, the outer cortex of the root system won’t slough off. In many cases under ideal
conditions, the mycelium of the fungus growing on the surface of infected roots can be seen with a
10x hand lens. Rhizoctonia produces distinct, brown hyphae that always branches at nearly 90 degree
angles. This is a diagnostic feature of the fungus. Rhizoctonia often shows up on transplants
where the plug remains on the dry side for extended periods when growers reduce water to control
plant growth. In the field this can occur shortly after transplanting when the drip irrigation system is
not hooked up.
Treatment Options
Why is recognizing the different symptoms and diseases so important? The fungicides applied to
prevent or control damping-off are specific in the pathogens they control. Fungicides used to control
Pythium or Phytophthora won’t control the other damping-off pathogens. Why is this?
The biology of the fungus and the mode of action of the fungicide dictates fungicide efficacy.
For example, Ridomil Gold and Ultra Flourish (mefenoxam, FRAC code 4), MetaStar (metalaxyl, 4),
Previcur Flex (propamocarb, 28), Ranman (cyazofamid, 21), Presidio (fluopicolide, 43), and
Phosphites (33) help control the “water molds” (i.e., Pythium and Phytophthora). Azoxystrobin (FRAC
code 11) help control damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia root rot. Ranman, Previcur Flex, and
phosphites have greenhouse use labels for Pythium control (see labels for specific crops and uses in
Table E-14 starting on page 155 as well as individual crop sections in the new 2026/2027 Mid-Atlantic
Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide coming out soon).
There are many organic options that can be used to suppress these pathogens in transplant media.
These biologicals include Bacillus subtillus (Companion), Streptomyces lydicus (Actinovate),
Streptomyces griseoviridis (Mycostop), Trichoderma harzianum (PlantShield, Rootshield), and
Trichoderma virens (SoilGard). These products can either be drenched on or incorporated into the
media prior to seeding and/or transplanting. These products work by colonizing root surfaces and
competing with the pathogen for space and resources. The mechanisms of control by biologicals include
some form of antibiosis, parasitism, induction of host defense responses, or competition.
Disinfectant products such as Zerotol and Oxidate (hydrogen dioxide) may also be used to help
suppress pathogens in organic or conventional transplant production. It’s important to understand that
disinfectant products also kill biological agents, therefore caution should be used when using these in
rotation with organic products. The same holds true for all conventional products. For a list of options
for use in the greenhouse and at transplanting on specific crops please see Table E-14 starting on
page 155 in the new 2026/2027 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide.
Table E-14 has been updated. Also see individual crop section for options in the field. Always refer to
the fungicide label for crop use, pathogens controlled, and application rates.