Disappearing Root Rot

Although rare disappearing root rot is a serious disease that can occur in ginseng plants of any age, seems to prefer more mature plants though. disappearing root rot seems to be more common in woods with prominently softer wood species, but has been known to show up elsewhere also.

It attacks the ginseng from under ground making it difficult to detect until the damage is already done. Disappearing root rot tends to begin with the root tip and moves up into the root from there. You may also encounter Crown rot, stem rot, and root “stubbing”.

Initially disease symptoms will start with small gold-brown spots on the roots surface. They will grow quickly, and eventually turn reddish brown and spongy. The entire root will eventually disintegrate and needs to be removed as soon as possible from the planting site as well as the soil immediately around the contaminated root.