Symptoms:
Brown lesions develop on stems near the soil line. These lesions become brown and sunken, and will eventually girdle the plant resulting in wilting and rapid death. If the stem and tap root are cut lengthwise, a brown discoloration in the vascular tissue is evident.

Control:
Water-logged or compacted soils promote this disease. The best control is actually careful attention to seedbed preparation. Avoid compaction and low spots that may accumulate water.