Root Rot in Jasmine Plant and Treatment

Jasmine plant is well known for its fragrance and popularly grown both indoor and outdoor. Like other flowering plants, jasmine also has no exception from diseases and pests attack. A good gardener is one who notices even small things or symptoms on plants and take an early action. In this guide, I will share symptoms of root rot in jasmine plant, causes and treatments.

Symptoms of Root Rot in Jasmine Plant

Regardless of the variety either star jasmine or Arabian jasmine, symptoms of root rot are same for all. If you see yellowing of leaves or wilting, it might be root rot. In healthy plants, roots are firm. Yellowing of leaves and wilting is the result of damaged or slimy roots which are not absorbing and supplying the nutrients to the plant. Excessive moisture in the soil, often due to overwatering or poor drainage, is a common cause of root rot.

Causes

Root rot in jasmine plant is caused by fungi Phytophthora and Fusarium. Phytophthora and Fusarium fungi invade the roots, disrupt their function in absorbing nutrients and water. Plants become weaker and dies if not treated in time.

Phytophthora	Fusarium is a genus of soil-borne fungi. Fusarium can infect various parts of the plants, including roots, stems, and vascular tissues. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, vascular discoloration, and stunted growth. Can spread through contaminated soil, water, and plant debris.
Fusarium	Fusarium is a genus of soil-borne fungi. Fusarium can infect various parts of the plants, including roots, stems, and vascular tissues. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, vascular discoloration, and stunted growth.Can spread through contaminated soil, water, and plant debris.

Treatment of Root Rot in Jasmine Plants

Being agronomist, I always do myself and recommend preventive practices to control diseases. Integrating preventive strategies into your management approach safeguards plant health.

Well-drainage Soil, sowing disease-free plants, healthy roots plants, soil enriched with organic matter, adequate sunlight and proper irrigation can reduce the risk of Phytophthora and Fusarium infections in jasmine plants.

Preventive Strategies

Well Drainage Soil

Make sure that the soil where you plant jasmine has good drainage. Water should be able to flow through it easily, without becoming waterlogged. Look, When soil holds too much water, it can create environment for harmful fungi like Phytophthora and Fusarium to thrive. Good drainage helps prevent this by keeping the soil drier and less hospitable to these pathogens.

Sowing Disease-Free Plants

“With every new healthy plant, nature whispers the promise of beauty and life.” – Unknown

When you plant jasmine, make sure you’re starting with healthy plants that are free from disease. If you are buying plants from a nursery, make sure plants have no symptoms like yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. By choosing disease-free plants, you reduce the risk of introducing these pathogens to your garden in the first place.

Healthy Roots

Healthy roots are essential for plants to absorb nutrients and water effectively. If the roots are damaged or weak, it’s easier for pathogens to invade and cause infection. At first stance, make sure to buy a plant with healthy roots from a nursery. When planted indoors and outdoors, always be careful about overwatering.

Soil Enriched with Organic Matter

Gardeners are well aware that adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the soil can improve its structure and fertility. Healthy soil with adequate organic matter provides a better environment for beneficial microorganisms that help suppress diseases. It also helps to improve soil drainage, which we already know is important for preventing fungal infections.

Adequate Sunlight

Jasmine plants, like most plants, need sunlight to grow and thrive. Adequate sunlight (4 to 6 hours a day) not only helps the plant grow stronger but also helps keep the soil surface dry. Make sure 6 hours sunlight to avoid fungal growth.

Proper Irrigation

Watering your jasmine plants properly is crucial for preventing fungal infections. Overwatering can lead to waterlogged soil, which creates ideal conditions for fungi to flourish. Novice gardeners often get confused about watering. Press your finger or thumb to check the soil is moist or dry. Always allow the soil to become dry between waterings.

You can go with a moisture meter to check the moisture.

Control Measures

If you have observed symptoms, an immediate action is required to save your plants.

Remove infected Plant

Look at the appearance of symptoms like yellowing of leaves or wilting. remove the plant and observe the roots health. If it seems slimy and not firmed, its root rot. Cut down all unhealthy roots and leave behind the white and firmed ones. Re-pot the plant in a well-draining soil mixtureenriched with organic matter.

Improve Drainage

Ensure that the jasmine plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil. If the soil is poorly draining, consider repotting the plant in well-draining soil.

Adjust Watering Practices

Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent excess moisture accumulation. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Isolate the Plant

If the jasmine plant is in a container, consider isolating it from other plants to prevent the spread of disease. Keep infected plants away from healthy ones.

Apply Fungicides

Select a fungicide to treat root rot in jasmine plants but it’s important to choose a product that is effective against the specific fungal pathogens causing the disease. Here are a few common fungicides that are often used to treat root rot in jasmine plants.

• Thiophanate-methyl: Broad spectrum Fungicide.
• Propiconazole: Systemic Fungicide.
• Mancozeb: Contact Fungicide.