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Signs of damage
- Wet rot. Stems will rot at the base of the plant, close to the ground. Bulbs can also display this type of rot.
- Stem cavity.
- White fluffy mold will appear.
- Leaf damage. Leaves will suddenly turn yellow, wilt, and collapse.
- Lesions on stems, leaves, and fruits. These will be pale to dark brown.
- The presence of black, seed-like structures in the soil.
- Post-harvest decay. Stored fruit can develop white fungal growth that leads to decay.
How to prevent
Minimize foliage humidity by avoiding overwatering and watering at the base, near the ground. Promote airflow through the adequate spacing between plants and weed control. Practice crop rotation and, if possible, choose less susceptible species.
Patrol for seed-like structures in soil, as this will confirm the presence of this pathogen. Fungicides can be used preventively. Any contaminated material must be removed and destroyed by burning or burying deep, but not composting.
Heal
Unfortunately, there aren’t any treatments for this disease. Some fungicides are known to help but produce inefficient results and cause great damage to crops.
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