Ceratorhiza

Ceratorhiza is a dangerous fungal disease caused by imperfect fungi of the genus Ceratorhiza, which are often closely associated with the teleomorph Rhizoctonia. This pathogen is a soil-borne infection that targets the root system and the crown area of plants. The fungus can survive in the soil for long periods as sclerotia or mycelium, waiting for favorable conditions to trigger active infection.

The main crops susceptible to Ceratorhiza infection include a wide range of vegetables, cereals, and ornamental plants. It is most frequently observed on potatoes, sugar beets, various cabbage species, and forage grasses. The pathogen is particularly aggressive toward young seedlings and sprouts, leading to significant reductions in plant density at the early stages of development.

Key symptoms of the infection include the appearance of brown or dark lesions on the roots and the underground parts of the stem. Under conditions of high humidity, a white or gray fungal growth may form in the infected area. As a result of tissue damage, the plant's nutrient uptake is disrupted, which causes wilting, stunted growth, and eventually the death of the affected plants.

The development and rapid spread of the fungus are facilitated by high soil moisture and moderate air temperatures, typically ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius. Heavy, poorly aerated soils, as well as waterlogging, significantly accelerate the infection process. The disease is often more prevalent during springs characterized by cool, prolonged weather, which leaves seedlings weak and slow to emerge.

The economic damage caused by this disease involves not only the loss of yield but also a significant decrease in the quality of the produce. To control Ceratorhiza, a comprehensive approach involving agrotechnical and chemical measures is required:

• Implementation of crop rotation excluding susceptible species for 3-4 years.
• Usage of healthy, high-quality seeds treated with appropriate fungicides.
• Optimization of soil structure to improve drainage and aeration.
• Application of systemic fungicides for seed dressing and soil drenching upon detection of infection hotspots.