WSU Extension

Hortsense

Spinach
 
Disease
Damping-off 
Insect
Aphids 
Loopers 
Spinach or beet leafminer 



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Caption: Damping-off of cucumber seedlings
Photo by: R.S. Byther
  
Spinach : Damping-off
(revision date: 6/6/2014)


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

Biology
Damping-off is caused by fungi that remain in the soil for long periods of time. Infected seeds decay without germinating. Seedlings may be infected and fail to emerge from the soil. Emerged seedlings are also attacked, causing them to wilt and topple over. Water-soaked or brownish lesions are often visible on the stem at the soil line. Plants become more resistant to attack as they mature. Damping-off fungi are more of a problem in cold soils with poor drainage, and in conjunction with overwatering.
Management Options


Non-Chemical Management
  • Plant in warm, well-drained soils during warm, dry weather.
  • Do not overwater.
  • Do not plant in soils known to be infested with damping-off fungi.
  • Mulch to help raise soil temperature.
  • Plant shallowly to encourage quick seedling emergence and growth.
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

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Caption: Damping-off of cucumber seedlings
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Damping off of seedlings
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Damping-off of seedlings
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Damping off of petunia seedlings
Photo by: R.S. Byther