• The fungus originates from the dead heaped leaves of 5 – 7.5 above the soil level. From there if spreads to roots region of tea bushes.
• When bark is removed star like growth of mycelium can be seen.
• At the surface of the soil the mycelium surrounds the stem and kills the bank for the length of 7.5 – 10.0 cm.
• A swollen ring of tissue is formed round the stem above the dead patch.

Management

• Removal and destruction of infected plant.
• Clean cultivation with out fallen leaves
• Dig a drench around the infected bush to provide sunlight in the drench which prevent the spread of mycelium.

Content validator: Dr. M. Deivamani, Assistant Professor, Horticulture Research Station, Yercaud-636602.