Damping-off is a common offset-4 transition-colors hover:underline" title="Learn more about Seedling">seedling disease caused by fungi, leading to the collapse and death of young plants.
Also called / Category:
Damping-off disease, Pests, Pathogens & Disorders.
Key takeaways:
- Caused by soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium.
- Affects seedlings, causing them to rot at the base and collapse.
- Prevention includes using sterile soil and avoiding overwatering.
- Common in high humidity and poorly ventilated environments.
What it is / How it shows up:
Damping-off is a disease that affects young cannabis seedlings, often noticed in indoor growing setups or nurseries. Growers may observe seedlings wilting, with the stems appearing water-soaked and darkened at the soil line. This condition typically occurs in damp, poorly ventilated environments where fungal spores thrive, leading to rapid seedling decline. It's a frustrating issue for cultivators as it can wipe out batches of seedlings before they even get a chance to grow.
How it’s measured or identified:
- Visual inspection of seedlings for symptoms.
- Monitoring of soil moisture levels.
- Testing of soil for fungal presence.
Use in context:
- "Our seedlings suffered from damping-off last season due to excess moisture."
- "Damping-off can be prevented with proper aeration and soil management."
- "The nursery had to discard several trays of seedlings affected by damping-off."
Safety & compliance in Canada:
- Ensure seedlings are grown in compliance with agricultural regulations.
- Use approved fungicides and cultivation practices to prevent disease.
Related terms / See also:
FAQs:
- What causes damping-off in cannabis seedlings? Damping-off is primarily caused by soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium, which thrive in wet, poorly ventilated conditions.
- How can I prevent damping-off? To prevent damping-off, use sterile soil, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overwatering, and maintain a clean growing environment.
- Is damping-off contagious to other plants? Yes, damping-off can spread through fungal spores in shared soil or water, affecting multiple seedlings in close proximity.
Sources:
- Health Canada
- PubChem
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada