Severely infected fruit drop to the ground with the pedicel still attached to the plant. The fungus overwinters in plant residue and grows at temperatures of 55 to 95 degrees F with optimum growth at 80 degrees F. Rainfall and overhead irrigation favor disease development. The fungus develops when the humidity is 93 percent or above. Although field sanitation is important, a preventive fungicide spray program is required during periods favorable for disease development. The pathogen attacks nearly 200 species of plants but eggplant and okra are the two most seriously affected vegetables.
Young plants appear normal, but become stunted as they develop.
Severely affected plants turn yellow. The lower foliage wilts and defoliation occurs. Symptoms continue to progress until death occurs. When the stem is cut, there is a dark brown, discolored band around the vascular system. Infection occurs directly through the root hairs.