Crown Rot
The fungal
4 host plants
Last updated
Watch for sudden wilting and collapse in plants growing in saturated soil, particularly in spring when excess moisture peaks. The crown becomes dark and discolored as rotting progresses underground, eventually killing the plant entirely. Improve drainage with raised beds eight inches or higher, use only certified disease-free plants, and never plant in poorly drained areas where water stands. Once infected, plants usually cannot be saved.
Use certified plants only. Resistant cultivars are available. Improve drainage around susceptible plants and avoid overwatering. Remove affected material and dispose of it away from the garden. When replanting, choose resistant varieties and amend the soil for better drainage if waterlogging was part of the problem.
Quick Reference
Management
Phase II occurs in fall and winter on basal portions of the stems.
Cultural Controls
- Use certified plants only.
- Resistant cultivars are available.
- Set new plants in well-drained soil (no standing water in winter) where red stele has not been known.
- Plant on beds raised 8 to 10 inches to improve drainage, or use drain furrows.
- In home gardens or small plantings, raise the bed 15 inches.
- Preplant soil solarization has been helpful in reducing populations of certain soilborne pathogens and weeds in western Oregon.