Seedling Disease Complex

Seedling Disease Complex is made up of three different, but similar pathogens:

• Rhyzoctonia;
• Fusarium; and
• Pythium.

These pathogens are soil-borne fungi that attack the seed and root systems of canola.

How Does it Spread?

Various soil conditions will favour one fungi over others, which allows that particular disease to survive and spread quickly.

Because our County has different soil conditions throughout, it is possible to have all three diseases occur within our boundaries.

Learn about three of the most common seedling blights as well as some of the best practices to avoid them

Prevention

Seedling Disease Complex can become a serious problem if soil conditions are right for the fungi to spread. Here are some measures that can be implemented to decrease losses:

• Follow good crop rotation practices, as tighter crop rotations may be a factor in the presence of these diseases;
• Use clean, treated, certified seed with good germination;
• Seed into warm soil; and
• Place seed at proper depth.

Related Links

Canola Watch: Moist soil increases seedling disease risks

Canola Council: Seedling Disease Complex