Damping Off in Cress
Garden cress is an extremely fast-growing peppery microgreen that can be harvested in 7–10 days after germination. A fatal disease of seedlings where young plants collapse and die at soil level shortly after germination. Caused by fungal pathogens in the growing medium.
Cress care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to damping off in Cress. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Cress
- fiber_manual_recordSeedlings collapsing suddenly at soil level
- fiber_manual_recordThin, water-soaked constriction at the base of the stem
- fiber_manual_recordSeedlings appearing healthy one day and dead the next
- fiber_manual_recordPatches of seedlings dying in clusters
- fiber_manual_recordWhite mould visible on the soil surface
Common causes in Cress
- fiber_manual_recordOverwatering creating conditions for fungal growth
- fiber_manual_recordPoor drainage in seed trays
- fiber_manual_recordUsing unsterilised compost or garden soil
- fiber_manual_recordSowing too densely
- fiber_manual_recordLow temperatures combined with wet conditions
How to diagnose damping off in Cress
The collapse at soil level with a shrunken stem base is characteristic. It spreads from seedling to seedling and cannot be reversed once established.
How to treat damping off in Cress
There is no cure — remove and discard affected seedlings and compost to prevent spread. Water remaining seedlings with a copper fungicide solution (Cheshunt compound). Improve air circulation around remaining seedlings.
Preventing damping off in Cress
Use fresh, sterile compost for seeds. Sow thinly and prick out early to improve spacing. Water from below rather than overhead. Ensure good ventilation. Do not overwater — allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings.