Narcissus (Daffodil): Basal rot

Biology

Basal rot of narcissus is caused by a soilborne fungus. Bulbs usually develop the rot during storage. The infection begins at wound sites or at the base of the bulb in the root plate and progresses into the bulb. The affected tissue turns brown to purplish-red in color. The fungus is present between bulb scales as a growth of whitish to pink mold. Plants grown from infected bulbs are stunted and yellowed, and develop few roots.

Management Options

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

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Sort and discard any diseased bulbs when digging and again prior to planting.
• Avoid wounding or bruising bulbs.
• Store bulbs in cool, dry conditions with good air circulation.
• Do not replant narcissus in diseased soils for at least three years.

Chemical Management

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

None recommended