damping-off

American  

[dam-ping-awf, -of] / ˈdæm pɪŋˈɔf, -ˈɒf /

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.

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damping off British  

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

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damping off Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of damping-off

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The research team zeroed in on Globisporangium ultimum, a major soil-borne oomycete responsible for damping-off and root rot in many plant species.

From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2024

Tipping fills each flat with a homemade potting mix of about 10 parts well-aged compost to one part sand, which improves the drainage and helps limit surface algae growth and damping-off disease.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2024

If trouble is likely to be experienced from damping-off fungi, the soil may be heated to 200° F. and held there for an hour, using oven or electric or steam sterilizer.

From The Tomato by Work, Paul

The use of sand on the surface of a heavier soil may save plants from damping-off, because the sand passes the water quickly and dries, while a heavier surface soil would remain soggy.

From One Thousand Questions in California Agriculture Answered by Wickson, Edward J. (Edward James)

On the other hand, a lighter soil taking water more easily may grow plants without damping-off, even though a great deal more water has been used than on the heavier soil.

From One Thousand Questions in California Agriculture Answered by Wickson, Edward J. (Edward James)