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Basal Rot

Fungal

Plant disease guide — symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.

symptoms

Symptoms

  • circleSoftening and browning of the stem or bulb base
  • circleYellowing leaves that pull away easily from the base
  • circleFoul smell and pinkish or brown discoloration inside the bulb
help

Causes

Caused mainly by Fusarium species infecting through the roots or basal plate, favored by warm soil, poor drainage, and wounds from planting or pests.

healing

Treatment

Lift and destroy severely affected bulbs or plants; for mild cases, trim away rotten tissue and dust with fungicide before replanting in fresh, well-drained soil.

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Prevention

Plant only firm, healthy bulbs in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and rotate planting locations to reduce soil-borne inoculum.