Damping Off
This term is applied to the premature decay of the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants. Its effects are most marked on young and tender seedlings, when crowded together, or placed under unsuitable atmospheric conditions. Sometimes the cause may be traced to an excess of moisture that may be suspended in the air or applied to the roots. Damping off amongst cuttings is often caused by allowing them to become dry, and then suddenly applying too much water. The water is generally blamed when the actual cause is drought, and the sudden change subsequently caused by the water. A temperature in a glass house or propagating frame lower than that outside, in either case will cause Damping by the condensation of water on all parts of the plants, as they become colder, like the house. Raise the temperature and the moisture becomes suspended. Immediately Damping is detected amongst tender seedlings, they should be separated and placed out singly in fresh soil. This will invariably check it, but the operation is best performed before Damping begins. Other causes, some unknown, affect different plants, and bring about their destruction in this way; but the primary ones are those here indicated.