Excess telluric water

 (drowning , water wilt)

• Symptoms  :
  • browning and rotting of roots, decomposition of the cortex (figures 1);
  • sometimes more or less marked browning of the vessels located in the pivot and the lower part of the stem (figure 2);
  • more or less rapid withering (figure 3), yellowing (figures 4 to 6), even necrosis of the leaflets and/or the lower leaves of the plants;
  • reduced plant growth.

• Cause(s) :
  • poor irrigation management;
  • heavy, hydromorphic soil or poorly draining substrate;
  • accumulation of water in poorly drained areas;
  • heavy rains or ruptures of irrigation pipes, during the deficiency of solenoid valves;
  • more or less important submersion of the culture, etc.

• Diagnostic clues :
  • the plants affected are often distributed over the whole of the plot, or in certain zones or on certain rows;
  • the plot is poorly drained, the soil is rather heavy;
  • the soil or substrate seems rather saturated with water (don't hesitate to see it for yourself);
  • control the quality of plant irrigation (mode, frequency, efficiency);
  • control the recent climatology (significant rainfall).

• Possible confusion : root parasitic microorganisms and pests, etc.

• Remedies :
  • drain the soil ;
  • be wary of certain rather asphyxiating substrates;
  • adjust the frequency and quantities of water applied to each irrigation ;
  • bury the plants so that they can produce new roots (option valid only for species with significant root regeneration capacities).