Aerial blight, also known as Rhizoctonia foliar blight or web blight, is a plant disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani.
Here's a more detailed look at aerial blight:
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Cause: The fungus Rhizoctonia solani is the primary culprit. This fungus is widespread and can affect a wide variety of plants.
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Commonly Affected Regions: It is most prevalent in warmer, humid climates, particularly in the southern United States where soybeans are often grown in rotation with rice.
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Symptoms:
- Initial symptoms appear as water-soaked, grayish-green lesions on leaves.
- These lesions then turn tan to brown as the disease progresses.
- The blight can spread rapidly, causing significant defoliation and yield loss. Web-like mycelia can be seen on the plant in humid conditions.
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Other Names: As mentioned, it's also known as Rhizoctonia foliar blight and web blight.
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Management: Control often involves cultural practices (crop rotation, avoiding excessive irrigation), resistant varieties (when available), and fungicide applications.
