Symptoms

• The disease occasionally occurs in serious form.
• The lower portion of the stem is affected from the soil borne inoculum (sclerotia).
• Decortications is the main symptom.
• Exposure and necrosis of underlying tissues may lead to collapse of the plant.
• Near the ground surface on the stem may be seen the mycelia and sclerotia.
• Lack of plant vigour, accumulation of water around the stem, and mechanical injuries help in development of this disease.

Management

• Seed treatment with 4 g of Trichoderma viride formulation per kg seed will help in reducing the disease.
• Spraying with Mancozeb @ 2g/Litre of water.
• Collection and destruction of diseased parts and portions of the plant.