Wirestem
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Wirestem (Rhizoctonia solani) occurs on seedlings after transplanting, and all cole vegetables are susceptible. Sunken, necrotic lesions form at the soil line and are often dark-brown in color. Lesions expand until the stem is girdled, resulting in wilting, collapse, and eventual death of seedlings. The pathogen, R. solani, can cause damping-off of direct-seeded crops.
Wirestem on cabbage
(Photo: unknown)
Wilted kale affected by wirestem
(Photo: unknown)
Management:
- Plant healthy seedlings.
- Fungicides (seed treatments or in-furrow drenches/sprays at transplanting).
- Crop rotation.
- Moisture management in fields.
