Preventing damping off of sprouting seeds and seedlings

[WNC Bonsai]

This spring I plan to start some dawn redwood, larix, pseudolarix, and tridents. So what is the best method to prevent damping off. I know to use sterilized potting soil mix, but what about fungicides once these start to pop? I don’t have a lot of faith in the sterilized soil mixes, especially in this the fungus capital of the world, where if you spit somewhere a fungus will grow on it!

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Good air movement is key. And full sun. All the species you listed will do best with more than half a day of direct sun. The UV in the direct sun helps keeping pathogens at bay. The trays, pots or flats should be up on shelves, not crowded in with larger trees. Air movement is key. Outdoors it often is not practical, but indoors a fan blowing air across the pots of seeds is helpful.

 

[penumbra]

indoors a fan blowing air across the pots of seeds is helpful.

I use several fans in my plant room but using a fan on new seedlings will dry them too quickly and makes it hard to keep the humidity up.

 

[Pitoon]

As already mentioned, air movement is one of the most important things to keep in mind. You also do not want soaked media, you want it damp but not wet.

 

[Shibui]

Sun and fresh air are the best preventatives but must be tempered with how often you can water and the strength of sun, etc.
Damping off still occurs and the more seedlings you grow the greater the chances. It pays to have a fungicide ready just in case and treat quickly because the fungus can move fast. Look for a product that lists damping off on the label. Not all fungicides treat all fungi.