Root rot.

beeman · August 15, 2012

I have lost my usual amount of plants again this year, about 60% gone, even though I dusted the seed with Trichoderma, didn't make any difference.
Today I carefully dug down to find the roots I planted deep, up to first leaf. There was nothing there, the root ball had gone. All I had to support the plant was roots formed higher up the stem. Obviously the Trichoderma was a waste of time as these roots didn't get any treatment to prevent the wilts.The lower stem was brown and rotted off.
Would anyone have experience in preventing root rot?

RayR · August 16, 2012

I've never seen root rot in tomatoes, but I know that it can be caused by various pathogens and effective controls are still being investigated.

There is information on the outbreak of corky root rots in Ontario in recent years here and here.

If you have any clear pictures of the symptoms, that would be interesting and helpful to someone who could diagnose the cause.

Also some other information may be helpful:
1.) Grown in-ground or in containers?
2.) Any amendments and fertilizers?
2.) Any other biological innoculants applied besides Trichoderma?

beeman · August 16, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayR

There is information on the outbreak of corky root rots in Ontario in recent years here and here.
If you have any clear pictures of the symptoms, that would be interesting and helpful to someone who could diagnose the cause.

Thank you, thank you, you've found it.
I don't have to look any further, this is the answer.
Have been looking for an answer for years, but was looking at Fusarium/Verticillium wilts without finding a cure.
The photos in the link are exactly what I've had for years.
We should make this more available, as I have seen others on this list with the same problem, B54red for one.
Will try for photos later.

beeman · August 17, 2012

I have been doing more research in the last few days and am right, my garden suffers from Corky Root Rot. It's affecting most of what I grow.
It strikes after a warm spell followed by rain. Reading the links there are specific temperatures when this fungus strikes, creating the same symptoms as verticillium/fusarium wilt.
Strawberries, raspberries, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, the only preventative seems to be 'Chitin' as a soil amendment.
Next question. Does anyone know of a source for garden sized supplies?
I would appreciate help sourcing this product.

Tonio · August 22, 2012

Beeman, check this out http://www.biosol.com/auto_cms/origi...chitinengl.pdf

I'm following the cork root rot threads. I may have the same issue, whcih i may have mistaken with RKN root knot nematode.

Chintin, chintosan is shellfish, and Neptunes Harvest has some offers that may be of use-though pricey direct http://www.neptunesharvest.com/cs-650.html

You may be able to source some locally if close to the coast.

Tonio · August 22, 2012

Here's another source:http://www.columbiabasindistributors...Crab_Meal.html

One in CA :http://oldheirloomroses.com/ormain.html

August 15, 2012	#1
beeman Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 692	Root rot. I have lost my usual amount of plants again this year, about 60% gone, even though I dusted the seed with Trichoderma, didn't make any difference. Today I carefully dug down to find the roots I planted deep, up to first leaf. There was nothing there, the root ball had gone. All I had to support the plant was roots formed higher up the stem. Obviously the Trichoderma was a waste of time as these roots didn't get any treatment to prevent the wilts.The lower stem was brown and rotted off. Would anyone have experience in preventing root rot?

August 22, 2012	#5
Tonio Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 148	Beeman, check this out http://www.biosol.com/auto_cms/origi...chitinengl.pdf I'm following the cork root rot threads. I may have the same issue, whcih i may have mistaken with RKN root knot nematode. Chintin, chintosan is shellfish, and Neptunes Harvest has some offers that may be of use-though pricey direct http://www.neptunesharvest.com/cs-650.html You may be able to source some locally if close to the coast. Last edited by Tonio; August 22, 2012 at 01:14 AM.

August 16, 2012	#2
RayR Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 2,466	I've never seen root rot in tomatoes, but I know that it can be caused by various pathogens and effective controls are still being investigated. There is information on the outbreak of corky root rots in Ontario in recent years here and here. If you have any clear pictures of the symptoms, that would be interesting and helpful to someone who could diagnose the cause. Also some other information may be helpful: 1.) Grown in-ground or in containers? 2.) Any amendments and fertilizers? 2.) Any other biological innoculants applied besides Trichoderma?

August 17, 2012	#4
beeman Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 692	I have been doing more research in the last few days and am right, my garden suffers from Corky Root Rot. It's affecting most of what I grow. It strikes after a warm spell followed by rain. Reading the links there are specific temperatures when this fungus strikes, creating the same symptoms as verticillium/fusarium wilt. Strawberries, raspberries, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, the only preventative seems to be 'Chitin' as a soil amendment. Next question. Does anyone know of a source for garden sized supplies? I would appreciate help sourcing this product.