okra, melon dying

[Farhan Ahmed]

There is this problem which has started with the melon and okra plants with me.....the plants are dying all of a sudden with no visible problem.....plants sizes are more than 6-8 inches and each day two three plants are lying wilted......no sign of bugs on the plants and in the soil....something invisible....closer inspection of the roots show darker/wilted color. i do have termite problem in my garden but inspection reveals no sign of termites below the plants. Need help thanks in advance

[Izhar]

It could be due to many factors:

1) Excessive nitrogen
2) Fungus in soil
3) Excessive watering
4) Low air circulation

[Farhan Ahmed]

hmmm soil here is sandy...i dont think water should be an issue....neither air circulation......lets do some rigorous hoeing.......could it be some plant disease/germ?

[mirafzalkhan]

In my opinion it is damping off disease which normally affects seedlings but some time also affects young plants. Damping off is caused by fungi.

[Farhan Ahmed]

@mirafzalkhan......thanks sir ......i am now certain that its damping off disease caused by fungus.......may be due to excessive rains here.....i got myself an anti fungal but to start with i will try garlic spray.....does fungus die with hot weather?