Black shank
scouted July 6, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Phytophthora nicotianae
- Background
- A tobacco field in Person County was being scouted, and it was observed that 25% of the field was affected by yellowing, wilting, and stem rot in patches around the field. The field has minimal history of black shank, and Orondis was used at transplant and Presidio was applied two weeks before the sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as Black Shank of tobacco. This disease is caused by the soil-borne oomycete Phytophthora nicotianae and is one of the most destructive and widespread tobacco diseases in North Carolina. Black shank is favored by warm temperatures and wet soil conditions and can persist in soil for several years. The disease can occur at any growth stage of tobacco. The most common symptoms are root and crown rot, which lead to yellowing, wilting, and eventual plant death. An integrated management approach using resistant varieties, cultural practices, and chemical or biological controls is recommended to reduce long-term damage from black shank.
- Resources