Alfalfa Diseases in Ohio

Rhizoctonia root, stem and crown rot

• Symptoms
  • irregular brown to black lesions at stem base
  • foliage is chlorotic or straw colored
  • dead plants usually occur in large patches
• Environment
  • hot, humid weather
  • high soil temperatures at seedling emergence
• Survival
  • survives in soil or in decaying organic matter
• Management
  • crop rotation
  • proper harvest and fertility management
• Scouting