Pythium Rot (Damping-Off, Stem Rot) on Tomatoes

Description: Damping-off occurs at or before germination, causing rapid decline and death of seeds or young seedlings. On older plants, disease causes severe wilting and black stem, beginning at ground level, resulting in severe stunting or death of plants.

Solution: Maintain soil pH at 6.5 to 7.0. Test soil pH; if it is too acid, use ground limestone to raise pH. Most garden centers and farm stores sell ground limestone. When fertilizing, use a slow-release organic source of nitrogen. Avoid planting in poorly drained areas. Sprinkle SoilGard^TM Microbial Fungicide over seed at time of sowing, BEFORE covering seed with soil. When starting seed indoors, mix SoilGard with potting soil before seed is sown.