damping-off

[ dam-ping-awf, -of ]

noun

, Plant Pathology.

1. a disease of seedlings, occurring either before or immediately after emerging from the soil, characterized by rotting of the stem at soil level and eventual collapse of the plant, caused by any of several soil fungi.

damping off

noun

1. any of various diseases of plants, esp the collapse and death of seedlings caused by the parasitic fungus Pythium debaryanum and related fungi in conditions of excessive moisture

damping off

1. Any of various diseases of seedlings that are caused by oomycetes, especially of the genus Pythium, or by fungi, and result in wilting and death.

Word History and Origins

Origin of damping-off¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

In this way much can be done to protect the plants from injury from such diseases as the damping-off fungus and mildew.

From Project Gutenberg

Damping-off is a common ailment of young seedlings and cuttings.

From Project Gutenberg

Another source of loss was in the damping-off of young plants.

From Project Gutenberg

Damping-off is less liable to occur in such material than in denser soils.

From Project Gutenberg