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Problem:
Root and Bulb Rot (Lily)

Image of Root and Bulb Rot - Lily

Problem Info

Plants are stunted and wilting, and the lower leaves turn yellow. The tips of the lower leaves may be dying and brown, and dead patches may appear along leaf edges. Flower buds may wither and fail to open. The bulbs and roots are rotted.

Analysis

Rot problems are common with lilies. These plant diseases are caused by various fungi (Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Pythium, Fusarium, and Cylindrocarpon species). These fungi attack and decay the bulbs and roots, causing stunting, wilting, and eventually death of the foliage and flowers. These bulb and root-rot organisms live in the soil and stored bulbs and are favored by wet soil. Sometimes bulbs in storage are lightly infected, but the fungal decay hasn''t progressed far enough to be easily noticed. When planted, these bulbs may rot so quickly that they do not produce any foliage.

Solution Advice

Remove and destroy badly infected plants. Check all bulbs carefully and discard any that are moldy, rotted, or dry and crumbly. Plant in well-drained soil. Store bulbs in a cool, dry location.

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