What is damping off disease?

Today, we’ll dive into a common woe that gardeners and commercial growers face: damping off disease. So, what exactly is damping off? Well, imagine you’re all excited about those little seedlings you’ve been nurturing with care, only to find them wilting and keeling over, seemingly out of the blue. That, my friends, is damping off in action.

WHAT IS DAMPING OFF?

Damping off disease poses a significant threat to young seedlings, causing them to wither and collapse at the soil line. This fungal affliction strikes at a vulnerable stage in a plant’s life cycle, often leading to devastating losses for growers and gardeners alike.

THE ORIGINS OF THE TERM

Now, you might be wondering, why “damping off”? The term itself gives you a clue to what’s happening. Picture this: damp conditions are like paradise for nasty little fungal spores that love nothing more than to attack tender seedlings at their weakest point — the base of the stem. From what I can find, the term “damping off” was coined to describe this sad phenomenon.

CAN PLANTS BOUNCE BACK?

If your precious seedlings have fallen victim to damping off, does it mean the end? Yes and no. Recovery depends on how severe the infection is and whether you catch it early. In my experience, damping off delivers a fatal blow most every time.

PINPOINTING THE CULPRITS

So what causes damping off in the first place? Well, blame it on the fungi — specifically, species like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. These sneaky pathogens thrive in overly moist soil conditions, poor ventilation, and crowded seedlings. They’re like little vultures waiting to pounce when the time is right.

Notice I didn’t mention unsterile potting soil as a cause of damping off. There’s good reason. For decades we’ve been told to sow seeds in a sterile germination mix. While it was once believed that using sterile soil could prevent damping off and other seedling diseases, modern research suggests otherwise. In fact, the use of sterile soil may not only be unnecessary but could also have negative consequences for plant growth and health.

Let me explain. When you sow seeds in sterile soil, they lack the beneficial microbial communities that are essential for healthy plant development. Do you see a similarity here? It’s like maintaining a healthy gut by eating the right foods.

As a result, seedlings grown in sterile soil may suffer from slower growth rates, reduced vigor, and increased susceptibility to diseases once they are transplanted into non-sterile environments such as your garden.

I could elaborate on this touchy topic, but for now, let’s look at one of the primary causes of damping off: Poor ventilation

HOW POOR VENTILATION CONTRIBUTES TO DAMPING OFF

Poor ventilation creates the conditions that are conducive to damping off by allowing moisture to linger around seedlings. This stagnant air provides an ideal breeding ground for fungal spores that are responsible for damping off.

HALTING THE SPREAD:

PREVENTION IS KEY

So how do we protect our precious plants? Fear not, for there are strategies to stop damping off in its tracks. 

First off, prevention is your best buddy. Start by sowing your seeds in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering — seriously, plants need a drink, not a swim! And ensure proper air circulation around your seedlings to keep those pesky fungi at bay.

TIDY UP!

Keep your seed-starting area tidy. Remove any fallen debris, or dead leaves — basically, anything that could provide a cozy hiding spot for fungal spores looking to cause trouble.

HOW TO INCREASE AIR CIRCULATION?

There are three ways to move air:

1. Set up a fan near your seedlings. Keep it running 24/7.

2. Give them some space: Plants need their personal space too! Crowded seedlings are more susceptible to damping off, so give them room to breathe. by thinning them out as they grow and separating potted-up plants to give them breathing room. Think of it as of social distancing for plants.

3. Gently brushing your seedlings with your hands every now and then does wonders. It helps air get around the plants and makes them sturdier too. It’s like giving them a little workout to toughen them up before they face the real wind when you transplant them outdoors.

A DASH OF SUNSHINE

It’s important to shed some light on the situation! But not just any light — we’re talking about the right kind of light. It’s crucial to ensure your seedlings get plenty of light, preferably from the sun. Adequate sunlight not only strengthens their immune systems and helps prevent damping off, but it prevents your seedlings from becoming leggy and weak.

If you’re lacking natural light, don’t worry! You can always give your plants a boost with artificial grow lights. There are many options available these days.

WHAT ABOUT FUNGICIDAL TREATMENTS?

Plenty of articles and YouTube videos recommend using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to stop damping off in its tracks. But let’s be real: it’s more of a quick fix than a long-term solution. Sure, hydrogen peroxide can clean up the soil and stop some fungal spores from causing trouble.

But it’s like putting a Band-Aid on a bigger problem. It doesn’t deal with the real issues, like poor airflow, watering too much, or having too many plants crammed together. And those are the real reasons why damping off happens in the first place.

WHAT PLANTS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMPING OFF?

The plants that are hardest hit by damping off include tomato, pepper, cucumber, basil, lettuce, petunia, spinach, and marigold.

So there you have it: the lowdown on damping off disease. While it may seem like a formidable foe, when armed with the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can give your plants the best shot at dodging any damping off attacks. To review, provide good air circulation, don’t overwater, and keep your seedlings cozy but not too cozy. 

KODIAK GARDEN CALENDAR

It’s a busy time for seed-starting. I checked in with Judy Hamilton, co-owner of our local nursery, Rooted, and she supplied a giant list:

“Hi Marion, This week we are starting yarrow, columbine, bacopa, basil, Brussels, celery, cerastium, delphinium, dianthus, Iberis, Kenilworth ivy, leeks/onion/chives, Shasta daisy, lobelia, lupine, nemesia, oregano, pansies, parsley, peppers, petunias, rosemary, snapdragons, thyme, and tomatoes.”

NOTE TO READERS

As residents on a remote island in the North Pacific, we’re in this together. As such, we are supremely fortunate to have a locally-published newspaper. PLEASE subscribe to our amazing local newspaper, the Kodiak Daily Mirror, which is available online and in print form. Or give a subscription as a gift. To subscribe call Janet at 907-486-3227 or mail: Info@KodiakDailyMirror.com.

Do you have a gardening question? marion@gardenerscoach.com

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