Damping-off primarily affects which stage of plant development?

Damping-off primarily affects which stage of plant development?

• A. Mature plants
• B. Seedlings after emergence
• C. Seedlings at or before emergence
• D. Harvest time

Answer: (C)

Damping-off is a problem that hits seeds and very young seedlings during germination and just as they try to emerge. The base of the stem rots from soil-borne pathogens in wet, crowded, poorly ventilated conditions, causing the seedling to collapse at or below the soil surface. Because the tissue is still tender and the seedling is not yet established, this stage is when the disease is most likely to kill or topple the plant. Once seedlings have emerged and grown a bit, they’re less vulnerable, and mature plants aren’t affected by damping-off. Harvest time isn’t related to this disease, which is why the stage at or before emergence is the correct focus.

Damping-off is a problem that hits seeds and very young seedlings during germination and just as they try to emerge. The base of the stem rots from soil-borne pathogens in wet, crowded, poorly ventilated conditions, causing the seedling to collapse at or below the soil surface. Because the tissue is still tender and the seedling is not yet established, this stage is when the disease is most likely to kill or topple the plant. Once seedlings have emerged and grown a bit, they’re less vulnerable, and mature plants aren’t affected by damping-off. Harvest time isn’t related to this disease, which is why the stage at or before emergence is the correct focus.