Wirestem, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is a fungal disease that affects seedlings, often leading to damping-off and plant death.

Key Points

• Symptoms:

  • Constriction at the base of the seedling stem, giving it a wire-like appearance.
  • Stunted growth or plants breaking off at ground level.
  • Death of seedlings soon after transplanting.
  • Lacks pinhead-sized spots, differentiating it from blackleg.

• Causes & Risk Factors:

  • Fungal infection spreads in soil and crop residue.
  • Higher risk in seedlings with mechanical injuries from transplanting, wind damage, or insect attacks.

• Spread & Survival:

  • Fungus persists in the soil between crops.
  • Infection spreads through contaminated crop debris and soil-borne spores.

• Management Tips:

  • Avoid mechanical damage during transplanting.
  • Use crop rotation to minimize soil contamination.
  • Remove infected crop residues to reduce fungal survival.

Preventive measures and careful seedling handling can help minimize losses from wirestem disease.