SEEDLING BLIGHTS

Description: Wilting and dying of young seedlings during and after emergence are the first signs of blight. A soft watery rot of the roots, mesocotyl and crown are typical symptoms. Seeds with a white or pinkish weft of mold around them indicates seed rot. Various seed?borne and soil? borne fungi cause seedling blight. Not to be confused with insect injury. Location: State wide, particularly in early planted fields or fields with compaction, wet soil or very dry soil and reduced tillage fields when emergence has been delayed by cold soil. Cold, wet compacted fields have particular problems with seedling blight. Time of attack: Blights occur when seedlings are put under stress or are subjected for extended periods to conditions limiting rapid growth of the young plant. Generally, April through early May. Management:
· Seed treatment
· Improve drainage