Southern Blight
(fungus - Sclerotium rolfsii): The fungus attacks the stem of the plant near the soil line, causing the plant to wilt and die. A white, cottony growth is seen on the surface of the stem, along with tan or brown spherical bodies the size of mustard seed. Crop rotation and deep plowing of crop residue can be used to reduce disease development in future plantings. This disease is not common in Texas.

See section on Southern Blight