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Damping-off disease

InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
in Problem solving
How do people cope with this difficult problem? Seeds germinate and flourish at first, then "go backwards", failing to flourish and then die. I´'ve been told it is a combination of cold, lack of light, and fungus and bacteria-ridden compost. I use heated mats and commercial compost and the greenhouse is in an open position, I still lose a lot.

Does it help to sterilize the compost initially?
Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.

Posts

  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    By the way, to clear up a confusion. I have two gardens: one in England and one in Brazil. Generally I write about England, where we are at present quarantined !!
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I think using a layer of vermiculite on the surface of most seed trays seems to help and also removing early propagation domes/bags to encourage good airflow. Of course everyone's set up is different. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Desi_in_LondonDesi_in_London Posts: 731
    edited February 2021
    I'm very much a novice but for me when it has happened its always been too much humidity and moisture / too warm for the available light ( ie not because it was too cold), so I remove the propagator top as soon as germination occurs , like amancalledgeorge says above.  I also read somewhere a couple of years ago that cinnamon powder helped in this regard so I sometimes sprinkle a little on the surface. No idea if it helps, but at least it makes the uncovered  seed tray/modules smell nice!
    It is fungal in origin so I guess sterilised starting medium should help prevent too.

    edit to add - i see your post that you ask re both brazil and england gardens. I am insufficiently knowledgeable for your location to guide my answers , but perhaps it might help others give you more meaningful responses if you are explicit in each question you ask which location you are asking about?
    Kindness is always the right choice.
  • piratesupporterpiratesupporter Posts: 15
    The standard golden rules to avoid damping off are;
    Sow thinly
    Use sterile containers
    reduce temperature a little and increase ventilation as soon as germination  occurs.
    Thin out as soon as possible.
    Use quality fresh compost which should not need sterilizing.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It's usually caused by excess humidity in the compost and  lack of ventilation so you need to improve those.

    I have been reading articles which claim that sprinkling powdered cinnamon over the compost of susceptible seeds and seedlings should help and also a spray of chamomile tea once germinated but the main issue is damp and lack of ventilation.


    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Agree @philippasmith2 but I'm planning to sow a lot more seeds this year so have been reading up about potential problems and fixes.   I have cinnamon powder on hand for baking and curries and chamomile tea for the very rare occasions I don't fancy a decaf after dinner so no probs for me with the "cures" but better not to have the problem in the first place.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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