Hortsense Home| Hortsense fact sheets | Common Diseases | Dead roots

Common Diseases

print version| pdf version| email url

Caption: Diseased roots and healthy roots

Photo by: R.S. Byther

Common Diseases : Dead roots

(revision date: 4/30/2013)

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Biology

A plant showing symptoms of off-color, stunting, wilting, and death may be suffering from a root problem. Dead and discolored roots result from factors such as fungal root rot disease, excessive moisture, excessive salts (fertilizer), cold damage, or lack of oxygen. It may be difficult to determine whether roots are dead or alive. Comparing the roots from a healthy plant with those of the problem plant is helpful.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Protect plants against cold damage. Do not leave plants in containers outside during freezing weather.
Provide adequate drainage and do not overwater.
Do not overfertilize.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended

Images

+ Show larger images


Caption: Diseased roots and healthy roots Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Phytophthora root rot on cedar Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Phytophthora root rot infecting trunk Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

Hortsense