What type of organisms is responsible for causing damping off?

Damping off is primarily caused by soil fungi, which play a crucial role in the health of seedlings. These fungi thrive in wet and poorly drained soil conditions and can infect young plants, leading to their decay at or just below the soil line. When seedlings are compromised by these pathogens, they demonstrate symptoms such as wilting, browning, and ultimately collapse, which often occurs right after germination or shortly afterward. Understanding the role of soil fungi in this context is vital for implementing effective seed treatment and management practices aimed at preventing damping off. By recognizing the specific agents that cause damping off, growers can take proactive measures to improve soil health and seedling survival rates.