Southern Blight

Sclerotium rolfsii

Note: Click on the image(s) above to see larger version.

Symptoms:
Southern blight causes a gradual wilting of the plant, and the plant eventually dies without changing color. The fungus girdles the stem at the soil line and a large brown irregular lesion is visible there. The lesion is covered by a whitish mat of fungus, and small, spherical, orange/tan colored fruiting bodies (scelerotia) are visible on the lesion.

Control:
High temperature and wet conditions promote the disease. Spores can survive in the soil for several years. Good sanitation (including removing and burning infected plants), extended crop rotations, and careful water management are key elements in controlling this disease.

Navigation

• Home
• Green Fruit
• Ripe Fruit
• Insects
• Leaf
• Stem
• Root

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied.

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.

Publication Revised December 2008