Seed Rots and Seedling Disease (fungi - Pythium spp. Macrophomina phaseolina, Gibberella zeae, Penicillium oxalicum and others): Both seed rots and seedling disease can cause poor stands. In cold soils, seeds decay and seedlings may die before they break the soil surface. In warmer soils, they more commonly emerge, but will have rotted roots and stems at the ground line. Cool wet soils slow seed germination and development of young seedlings so that there is exposure to fungi for a longer period of time. Low quality seed also produce seedlings that are weak and survive poorly in cold wet soils. Control is obtained by using high quality seed which have been treated with protective fungicides. Sweet corn should be planted on a raised bed after the soil temperature is above 55o F.
