What Causes Rhizoctonia

Rhizoctonia root rot is caused by the soilborne fungus Rhizoctonia solani. This fungus can be found in most soils and survives as sclerotia (very resistant fungal survival structures) in soil. Yield losses have been reported to be up to 48% in theU. S., but we typically do not see this level of disease in Nebraska.

How do you get rid of Rhizoctonia?

Irrigation and leaf wetness management is an important part of controlling Rhizoctonia diseases. Fungicide applications can be necessary if leaf wetness and soil moisture cannot be adequately managed (for instance, as a result of rain or high humidity).

What causes Rhizoctonia in potatoes?

The disease is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and a closely related group of species termed binucleate Rhizoctonia (BNR). Rhizoctonia solani is a diverse species. Isolates of the fungus can be assigned to one of the 13 genetically distinct anastomosis groups (AGs).