Black root rot
scouted April 16, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Berkeleyomyces basicola
- Background
- A tobacco greenhouse (Variety NC 960) was being scouted, and it was observed that 20% was affected by yellowing, damping off, and root rot. It was observed that it started from 1-2 trays but spread to adjacent trays. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as black root rot, which is caused by the fungus Berkeleyomyces basicola. Black root rot causes an irregular plant stand, severe stunting, and yellowing, and the root system will be small and blackened. Sanitation is the best countermeasure available to prevent black root rot, as well as discarding infested trays and seedlings. There have been no recent notes on black root rot in North Carolina.
- Resources
