Damping-off in seedlings is primarily caused by

Damping-off in seedlings is primarily caused by

• A. Soilborne fungi
• B. Bacteria
• C. Viruses
• D. Nutrient deficiency

Answer: (A)

Damping-off happens when soilborne fungal pathogens attack seedlings at the base where stems meet soil, especially under cool, wet, and crowded conditions. The most common culprits are fungi such as Pythium and Rhizoctonia that live in the soil and quickly colonize tender tissue at the seedling collar, causing the stem to become water-soaked, rot, and collapse. These fungi thrive in poorly drained media and with overwatering, making them the typical cause in nurseries and trays. Bacteria can cause other rots but don’t usually produce the classic damping-off pattern; viruses lead to mosaic or stunting rather than rapid collapse at the soil line; nutrient deficiencies slow growth or discolor plants but don’t cause the sudden base rot characteristic of damping-off. So the soilborne fungi are the best explanation for this condition.

Damping-off happens when soilborne fungal pathogens attack seedlings at the base where stems meet soil, especially under cool, wet, and crowded conditions. The most common culprits are fungi such as Pythium and Rhizoctonia that live in the soil and quickly colonize tender tissue at the seedling collar, causing the stem to become water-soaked, rot, and collapse. These fungi thrive in poorly drained media and with overwatering, making them the typical cause in nurseries and trays. Bacteria can cause other rots but don’t usually produce the classic damping-off pattern; viruses lead to mosaic or stunting rather than rapid collapse at the soil line; nutrient deficiencies slow growth or discolor plants but don’t cause the sudden base rot characteristic of damping-off. So the soilborne fungi are the best explanation for this condition.