Phytophthora Root Rot

Phytophthora cinnamomi or Phytophthora root rot fungus grows through the root system (and sometimes the stem) of a plant, destroying it and preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients. The first symptom of a plant infected by phytophthora root rot is wilting and yellowing of the foliage. The foliage then dries out and the young feeder roots darken. Infected plants usually die from lack of water and nutrients, although some can survive the disease. Once the fungus has spread through the root system of a plant, it releases zoospores (asexual spores) into the surrounding soil, if the conditions are warm and moist. The spores easily spread through stormwater and drainage water.