Diagnosing pythium root rot in cereals
A widespread fungal root disease that attacks seedlings but which rarely causes large yield losses.
What to look for
Paddock
Patches or whole paddocks of very poor growth.
Plant
Seedlings pale and stunted.
Older plants have fewer tillers and may rot and die.
Affected plants occur in patches where soil is wetter.
Roots stunted, short and stubby with few laterals.
Root tips often water soaked and develop a soft yellow to light brown rot.
Where does it occur?
Wet conditions
Cold, wet conditions.
Wet soils and areas of poor drainage.
Seeding directly into areas of dense dying weeds.
Management strategies
Good weed control in paddock and delay seeding until weeds have decomposed.
Use fungicide seed dressings with a Pythium-selective chemical such as metalaxyl-M .
