Pythium Root Rot & Weather
Pythium root rot is a fungal disease that attacks turfgrass and ornamental plants. Plants planted in poorly draining soils are at the highest risk for becoming infected with the disease. Wet weather conditions help fungal spores germinate and spread. It is important for gardeners to understand what weather conditions favor pythium root rot in order to know when to monitor their plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Temperature
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The fungal spores that cause pythium root rot can spread when daytime temperatures are between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Cornell University. Moreover, daytime temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit can also cause the fungal disease to spread. Numerous different species of fungal spores can cause pythium root rot, which is why the disease can spread during two different temperatures. In fact, P. aphanidermatum fungal spores can spread when temperatures are above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of California.
Moisture
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Pythium root rot must have moist soil to spread. If soil moisture is above 70 percent or higher, pythium root rot spreads quickly, according to the University of California. Gardeners should check their lawns and ornamental plants during the rainy season for signs of root rot. Typically, early spring, summer and fall months can usher in the rainy season for much of the United States. Avoid irrigating your plants during the rainy season and keep an eye that your sprinkler system does not over water the turf and plants.
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Disease Cycle
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Pythium root rot can overwinter in the soil or when temperatures do not favor its germination. Once the weather warms up after the last frost of the season, pythium root rot can infect your plant's root systems. The disease will go dormant again when temperatures or humidity decline for the winter months. This disease doesn't need favorable weather to spread. In fact, shoes, plants, lawn mowers and surface water can spread the disease, according to Cornell University.
Treatment
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Gardeners can apply fungicides to their grass seedlings to prevent them from contracting pythium root rot, according to Cornell University. In fact, waiting for dry temperatures to seed can help prevent the spread of the disease. Infected ornamental plants should be removed from the garden area. Reduce the risk of plants contracting the disease by not replanting the area. Use sanitized garden soil when potting to prevent plants from contracting the disease.
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