How to Manage Pests

Dry rot—Stromatinia gladioli

Dry rot attacks plants such as daffodils, freesias, and gladiolus. The initial infection attacks corms either in storage or in the soil. After the initial infection, decay spreads up to the leaf bases. Dry rot causes leaves to yellow and die. Plants are stunted and fail to bloom. Leaf bases or stems rot near the soil and tissue appears shredded. Very small black sclerotia are imbedded in dead tissue. Bulbs develop dark brown, sunken lesions with raised margins.

Solutions
Dry rot is favored by cool, wet soil. Don’t grow in infested soil during cool weather. Use pathogen-free bulbs or plants. Provide good soil drainage. Avoid overwatering. Remove infested plants and bulbs.