This fungus poses a threat to crops grown in ebb and flow systems. If the reservoir is heavily contaminated with debris or soil harboring Pythium , the fungus can spread to a large number of plants quickly. If the fungus infests a cutting bed or if contaminated water is used in propagation, large losses usually occur. Almost all plants are susceptible to Pythium root rot. Root tips which are very important in taking up nutrients and water are attacked and killed.
Pythium also can rot the base of unrooted cuttings.
Symptoms Plants are stunted . Root tips are brown and dead. Plants wilt at mid-day and may recover at night. Plants yellow and die. Rot may proceed up the stem .