It is spread during storage and handling, and control measures are the same as for Basal Rot. Infected plants develop pale brown spots on their leaves and flowers, and have reduced flower and bulb yield. This disease can seriously affect flowers, especially tazettas. Smoulder causes dark leaf tips with above chlorotic patches and malformed leaves. The leaves of severely infected bulbs are pale, short, and break easily.
Flower buds are often misshapen, and bulb scales are shrunken.
The tunics become greasy and the basal plate develops a corky texture. Wounding also increases incidence. Removing the debris can decrease the pathogen. Growers may spray to control above-ground disease. HWT may also be used to kill the fungus.