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Damping-off (Pythium spp., primarily) is characterized by soft rot of seed before germination or death of seedlings pre- and post-emergence. On emerged plants, a soft and water-soaked necrosis will occur just above the soil line and will extend to roots belowground. Plants wilt rapidly and die.

Damping off of corn seedling.

(Photo: William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org)

Management: 

• Soil moisture (drainage, irrigation) management, plant into warm soils (60 °F and above), and fungicide-treated seed.

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