(Sclerotium rolfsii)
Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) Gerlach W, 2005 (www.ecoport.org)
It is a common and destructive disease of peppers widespread in the tropics.
The fungus attacks the stem at ground level eventually girdling and killing it.
White fungal growth usually is visible on the base of the stem and on the soil line around the base of the plant.
On the white fungal mat, sclerotia (resting fungal spores) about the size of mustard seed that are tan to brown when mature are produced.
High soil moisture and temperatures (30-35degC ) favour disease development. Symptoms are more severe during dry conditions following a wet period.
The fungus has an extremely broad host range and it is also a good saprophyte.
What to do:
- The disease can be reduced by liming and deep ploughing