Root Rot (Rhizoctonia bataticola)

Nature of Damage: Dark cortical lesions occur slightly below or at the soil level on the stem, which later extend upwards. Lesions frequently girdle the stem. Root development is reduced and finally seedlings die.

Cultural Control: Seed the crop at recommended time. Avoid growing in low-lying areas and flooding under irrigation. Avoid continuous growing of safflower. Remove and destroy the diseased plants. Do not delay irrigation until the crop exhibits moisture stress symptoms.

Chemical Control: Treat the seeds with Thiram or Dithane M-45 @ 0.2%