Tree death usually occurs rapidly. The fungus is spread by the sclerotia, which also serve as overwintering structures. As the bark thickens, trees become resistant to infection. Avoid planting sites where the disease has been severe on previous crops such as peanuts, clover, tomato, and soybean. Keep the soil around the bases of trees free of dead organic matter that may serve as a food base for S. rolfsii .
Some differences exist in rootstock susceptibility.
The most resistant rootstock currently used is M.9.