What To Do for Damping Off?

[JDH23]

Greetings everyone,

Not too long ago I bought some Trachycarpus seeds and began the germinating process. For the seeds that I bought, I’ve noticed that mold has begun to form around some of them but they have not yet germinated (if anyone has advice for what to do with these, such as how to disinfect them, it would be appreciated). However, the seller included some freebie ‘Winsan’ seeds and those have germinated. Upon further inspection, though, I’ve noticed that there appears to be a fuzzy white mold growing along the root system. 
 

 

It isn’t the easiest to see in the pictures, but it appears that the seedlings have begun to “damp off”. Since these were freebies that I received in a purchase, I won’t be too upset if I lose these. However, I would if possible like to salvage these seedlings but I haven’t a clue on what to do. It seems to be a general rule of thumb that once a seedling begins to “damp off” it is a goner, yet due to the fact I haven’t noticed any sort of damage I’m crossing my fingers I can maybe save these seedlings. So, does anyone have an idea or suggestion on saving these seedlings from further “damping off”?

[Silas_Sancona]

56 minutes ago, JDH23 said:

Greetings everyone,

Not too long ago I bought some Trachycarpus seeds and began the germinating process. For the seeds that I bought, I’ve noticed that mold has begun to form around some of them but they have not yet germinated (if anyone has advice for what to do with these, such as how to disinfect them, it would be appreciated). However, the seller included some freebie ‘Winsan’ seeds and those have germinated. Upon further inspection, though, I’ve noticed that there appears to be a fuzzy white mold growing along the root system. 
 

 

It isn’t the easiest to see in the pictures, but it appears that the seedlings have begun to “damp off”. Since these were freebies that I received in a purchase, I won’t be too upset if I lose these. However, I would if possible like to salvage these seedlings but I haven’t a clue on what to do. It seems to be a general rule of thumb that once a seedling begins to “damp off” it is a goner, yet due to the fact I haven’t noticed any sort of damage I’m crossing my fingers I can maybe save these seedlings. So, does anyone have an idea or suggestion on saving these seedlings from further “damping off”?

That isn't mold.. they are fine root hairs. All seedlings do this when they first emerge. 

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Damping off ( caused by a few different soil pathogens ) looks different ..You'll see lesions on the root itself ..Like someone burnt parts of the roots.. and, fairly often, the top of the seed stem is folding over on itself.

As far as Damping off, some things are more vulnerable than others.. Soil quality, and post germination environment matters as well, with cool/ cold and wet soil and environmental conditions being especially favorable for Damping off. Lack of air circulation can be another contributing factor.  

Several biological products out there, such as Mycorrhizal. inoculants,  that can kill the pathogens themselves.. Not always cheap though.