root rot

noun

, Plant Pathology.

1. a symptom or phase of many diseases of plants, characterized by discoloration and decay of the roots.
2. any disease so characterized.

Word History and Origins

Origin of root rot¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

I think you will have more loss from sunscald and root rot than you will from blight.

From Project Gutenberg

Both are associated with and are probably a cause of the root-rot of the cherry and other orchard fruits.

From Project Gutenberg

The pecan has fungus root-rot and various wood rot fungi besides the leaf diseases.

From Project Gutenberg

The cotton crop of the country is threatened with root rot, the bollworm, and the boll weevil.

From Project Gutenberg

The former is more suited to the moister soils and wherever there is danger of root-rot, and the latter to the drier soils.

From Project Gutenberg