Q What is foot and root rot?

A The base of both seedlings and more mature plants may become discoloured and shrink inwards. The foliage and stem may then flop and die back. Roots may also be attacked and cause similar symptoms. Various fungi may be involved but all are more likely to attack if the roots or stem base have been damaged. At the seedling stage, this problem is more common on plants that have been watered with water from a butt or grown in non-sterilised compost.

Q What can I do if my veg plants have foot and root rot?

A Ensure you remove infected plants promptly.

Q What can I do to prevent foot and root rot?

A Grow veg families on a new site each year, following a three-year rotation. Take measures to control slugs and snails and protect plants from attack by them so the stem base doesn’t get
damaged. Keep beans well watered but avoid an over-wet soil. On seeds, seedlings and young plants use mains water instead of a water butt.