Papaya stem rot is a serious problem that often affects young trees but can take down mature trees as well. But what is papaya pythium rot, and how can it be stopped? Keep reading to learn more about papaya pythium fungus problems and how to prevent pythium rot of papaya trees.
Papaya Pythium Rot Info
What is papaya stem rot? Caused by the Pythium fungus, it mostly affects saplings. There are several species of pythium fungus that can attack papaya trees, all of which can lead to rot and either stunting or death. When it infects young saplings, especially soon after transplant, it manifests itself in the phenomenon called “damping off.” This means the stem near the soil line becomes water soaked and translucent, and then it dissolves. The plant will wilt, then fall over and die. Often, the fungus is visible as a white, cottony growth near the point of collapse. This usually results from too much moisture around the sapling, and it can usually be avoided by planting the trees in soil with good drainage and not building the soil up around the stem.
Pythium on Papaya Trees That are Mature
Pythium can also affect more mature trees, usually in the form of foot rot, caused by the fungus Pythium aphanidermatum. The symptoms are similar to those on young trees, manifesting in water-soaked patches near the soil line that spread and multiply, eventually converging and girdling the tree. The trunk becomes weakened, and the tree will fall over and die in strong winds. If the infection is not as intense, only half of the trunk may rot, but the tree’s growth will become stunted, the fruit will become malformed, and the tree will eventually die. The best defense against pythium rot of papaya trees is well-draining soil, as well as irrigation that does not touch the trunk. Applications of copper solution shortly after planting and during the time of fruit formation will also help.
-
Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
-
9 Contemporary Small Garden Ideas – Maximize Style With A Modern DesignSome simple conceptual ideas can transform even the tiniest plot from humdrum to dream design. Try these 9 contemporary small garden ideas to modernize your plot
-
Papaya Fruit Uses – Learn What To Do With Papaya Post HarvestSo here you are with a bumper crop of papaya fruit. Don’t worry -- we’ve compiled a list of what to use papaya for.
-
Papaya Harvest Time: Tips For Picking Papaya FruitsGrowing papaya? Click here for tips on when it’s time to start harvesting papaya fruit and information on various papaya harvesting methods.
-
No Seeds Inside Papaya – What Does A Papaya Without Seeds MeanPapayas are notoriously laden with seeds, so what if you get a papaya without seeds? To learn what causes seedless papayas, click here.
-
My Papaya Seedlings Are Failing: What Causes Papaya Damping OffWhen growing papaya from seed, you may come across a serious problem: papaya seedlings failing. They look water-soaked, then shrivel, dry, and die. This is damping off, and it is a fungal disease that can be prevented with good cultural practices. Learn more here.
-
Anthracnose Of Papaya Trees: Learn About Papaya Anthracnose ControlWhen you see sunken spots on papaya fruit, you may be dealing with anthracnose of papaya trees. But with some cultural practices, papaya anthracnose control in the home orchard isn’t difficult. Click this article for tips on treating papaya anthracnose.
-
Papaya Herbicide Problems: Treating Symptoms Of Papaya Herbicide InjuryUnfortunately, papayas are shallow-rooted and papaya damage from herbicides is always a risk. Understanding papaya herbicide problems may help you prevent and mitigate herbicide injury of papaya. Click on this article to learn more.
-
Papaya Seedlings Damping Off – Learn About Papaya Damping Off TreatmentPapaya seedlings damping off can mean the end of the crop as the fungus eventually rots out the stem. What causes papaya damping off and how can you prevent it? Click on the following article for more information.
-
Papaya Stem Rot Symptoms – How To Manage Stem Rot On Papaya TreesPapaya stem rot can be a serious problem if not addressed properly. The following article provides information on what causes papaya stem rot and tips for controlling papaya stem rot disease. Click here to learn more.
