Plant Sciences Commons^™

Sp277-Q Black Shank Of Tobacco, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Black shank is a widespread and destructive disease of tobacco in Tennessee. It was first identified in Robertson County in 1935 and has since spread to most tobacco-producing counties in the state. Burley, dark air-cured and dark fire-cured types of tobacco are all susceptible to black shank.

Black shank disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus, Phytophthora parasitica f. nicotianae. The fungus can survive in the soil for many years, even in the absence of tobacco.

Sp277-S Black Root Rot Of Tobacco, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Black root rot has been one of the most costly diseases of tobacco in Tennessee. This disease attacks tobacco either in the plant bed or in the field. It is a serious problem where tobacco is grown repeatedly in the same bed or field. Rarely does black root rot cause spectacular damage in any one field. It is important that growers be able to recognize black root rot and take the necessary control measures.