DISEASES



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Pythium Black Leg
(Pythium spp.)

Most susceptible plants: geranium

Symptoms:
Pythium black leg develops as a distinctive blackened deterioration of the lower stem, starting at the soil line. Infected stem tissue softens and deteriorates, damaging the plant's vascular tissue and interfering with movement of moisture to the leaves and other above-ground tissue. Plant wilt, stem collapse and plant death commonly result.

Control:
Take special care during transplanting to avoid excessive planting depth and wounding of stem and root tissue. Avoid excessive soil compaction during the transplant operation. Water carefully; avoid overwatering. Drench-applied fungicides can be effective in controlling this disease problem.