Aspergillus Crown Rot

Symptoms: The fungus causes both seed and seedling rot and drastically reduces plant stand. In moist soil, seeds may be attacked and killed due to rotting. Seeds removed from soil show black sooty cover. The infected areas of seedlings are covered with black fungal spores (Fig.).

Infected pods covered with black sooty spores

Mature plants are also attacked. Branches wilt permanently, and or wilting of entire plant. The dead and dried branches are easily detached from the collar region. Infected pods reveal patches of black sooty spores (Fig.).

Management:

• Remove and destroy the previous season’s infested host debris
• Seed treatment with Thiram, or Captan, or Difolitan at 2.5 g/kg seed gives good control.