Question:
The fungus causing damping off disease in most of conifer and hardwood forest tree species:
The fungus causing damping off disease in most of conifer and hardwood forest tree species:
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Damping off = Nursery disease of seedlings. If you see $Fusarium$ or $Pythium$, it is almost always the answer for damping off.
Updated On: Aug 20, 2026
- Fusarium spp.
- Fomes spp.
- Ganoderma lucidum
- Polyporus shoreae
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Damping off is a common and deadly nursery disease affecting young seedlings. The question asks for the primary fungal genus responsible for this condition across various tree species.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Damping off occurs when soil-borne fungi attack seeds before germination or young seedlings just after they emerge. The stems near the soil line become water-soaked and shrivel, causing the seedling to collapse and die.
• $Fusarium$ $spp.$ is one of the most common genera causing this disease, along with $Pythium$, $Rhizoctonia$, and $Phytophthora$. It is highly prevalent in nursery beds with poor drainage, high humidity, and excessive organic matter.
• The disease is a major problem in forest nurseries because it can wipe out entire beds of high-value conifer (like Pine) or hardwood (like Teak or Eucalyptus) seedlings in a matter of days.
• Fomes and Polyporus are primarily wood-decaying fungi found on mature trees or logs; Ganoderma causes root rot in many perennial plants and trees.
• Prevention of damping off involves soil sterilization (using solarization or chemicals), proper seed treatment with fungicides, and ensuring well-drained nursery beds.
Step 3: Final Answer:
$Fusarium$ $spp.$ is the major fungus causing damping off disease.
Damping off is a common and deadly nursery disease affecting young seedlings. The question asks for the primary fungal genus responsible for this condition across various tree species.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Damping off occurs when soil-borne fungi attack seeds before germination or young seedlings just after they emerge. The stems near the soil line become water-soaked and shrivel, causing the seedling to collapse and die.
• $Fusarium$ $spp.$ is one of the most common genera causing this disease, along with $Pythium$, $Rhizoctonia$, and $Phytophthora$. It is highly prevalent in nursery beds with poor drainage, high humidity, and excessive organic matter.
• The disease is a major problem in forest nurseries because it can wipe out entire beds of high-value conifer (like Pine) or hardwood (like Teak or Eucalyptus) seedlings in a matter of days.
• Fomes and Polyporus are primarily wood-decaying fungi found on mature trees or logs; Ganoderma causes root rot in many perennial plants and trees.
• Prevention of damping off involves soil sterilization (using solarization or chemicals), proper seed treatment with fungicides, and ensuring well-drained nursery beds.
Step 3: Final Answer:
$Fusarium$ $spp.$ is the major fungus causing damping off disease.
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