Crown Rot
Caused by Phytophthora fungus, which attacks the roots and, most notably, the crown of plants such as African violets. Plants are most susceptible when allowed to sit in soil that is heavy and soggy. Crown rot is often fatal. The best control is prevention. Symptoms: Crown is mushy and may appear translucent brown with a soft, jelly-like consistency. It appears brown or black in color not to be confused with the web left behind by spider mites, which clings to the flowers and plant hairs of the leaves. Leaves darken. They appear brown or black in color. Leaves wilt and may appear translucent brown with a soft, jelly-like consistency. Controls include cinnamon, hydrogen peroxide, cornmeal tea and BioWash (to clean plants). BioSafe is commercially available disease control.
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