Seedling blights (Aphanomyces euteiches, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium spp., Botrytis cinerea)

Seedling blights: biology

Usually caused by soil-borne fungi that attack plants when conditions are unfavorable. The same fungi cause root rots of older plants. When seedling blight is caused by botrytis, it is generally because infected seed was planted.

Poor emergence because seed rots in the ground. Newly emerged seedlings die as the roots decay and the stem base is pinched off (damping-off). Older seedlings become yellow, stunted and may die. Roots turn brown. With seedling blight caused by botrytis, grey mouldy growth develops at the stem base and the disease may spread to adjacent healthy seedlings. Seedling blight and heat canker may sometimes be confused.

Damage is seldom significant, unless seed is heavily infected with botrytis or fusarium, or pea or kabuli chickpea are planted in cool wet soils.