Belly rot

Causal Agent(s): (fungi ‑ several species)

     The fruit decays at the area in contact with soil. The rot begins as a small water soaked area that quickly spreads.  In many cases, the area will be surrounded by a profuse growth of white mycelium.  One of the fungal species associated with belly rot is Pythium aphanidermatum [wmd21.jpg], which rapidly colonizes the fruit [wmd22.jpg].  Another species involved is the southern blight fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii, which produces seed-like resting structures [wmd18.jpg]. The disease is most severe during periods of rainfall and high temperature, when the soil remains wet for long periods of time.  To control, use well-drained soils, or plant on plastic mulch.