Damping off is defined as which of the following?

Damping off is defined as which of the following?

• A. A bacterial leaf spot
• B. An insect infestation on leaves
• C. A nutrient deficiency causing yellowing
• D. A fungal disease that causes the stems to rot off at the soil line

Answer: (D)

Damping off is a seedling problem caused by soilborne fungi that attack the stem right where it meets the soil, causing the stem to rot and the seedling to collapse. The description that matches this is a fungal disease that causes the stems to rot off at the soil line, which is exactly what happens with damping off. The other options describe different plant issues—bacterial leaf spots appear as spots on leaves, insect infestations show pests on foliage, and a nutrient deficiency typically causes yellowing of leaves. Knowing what damping off looks like helps you spot it early and apply prevention measures such as using sterile starting mix, ensuring good drainage and air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and keeping seed-starting containers clean.

Damping off is a seedling problem caused by soilborne fungi that attack the stem right where it meets the soil, causing the stem to rot and the seedling to collapse. The description that matches this is a fungal disease that causes the stems to rot off at the soil line, which is exactly what happens with damping off. The other options describe different plant issues—bacterial leaf spots appear as spots on leaves, insect infestations show pests on foliage, and a nutrient deficiency typically causes yellowing of leaves. Knowing what damping off looks like helps you spot it early and apply prevention measures such as using sterile starting mix, ensuring good drainage and air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and keeping seed-starting containers clean.