Cause Several fungi that live in soil. Stolon decay is associated with Fusarium solani. Stem and stolon canker are caused by Rhizoctonia solani.
Symptoms Roots, runners, and rhizomes have brown or black progressively rotting areas. Stands may be greatly reduced, frequently in spots.
Cultural control
- Plow in fall.
- In low areas where water collects for extended periods, early spring plowing ensures a good stand of new shoots will become established before the parent runners or rhizomes completely rot.