Rotsankers

Rotsankers are a group of soil‑borne fungal pathogens that belong to the order Hypocreales and are primarily responsible for causing root rot in a variety of crop species. The term "rotsanker" derives from the Dutch words rots (rot) and sankieren (to sink), reflecting the characteristic sinking of plant roots into the infected substrate. These organisms are found worldwide, with the highest incidence reported in temperate and subtropical regions where soil moisture and organic matter content are elevated.

Morphologically, rotsankers produce small, conidia‑bearing mycelial fragments that disperse through water movement and irrigation. Infection initiates when spores penetrate root surfaces, followed by colonization of root cortex and cambium layers. This colonization disrupts water and nutrient transport, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and eventual plant death. Common hosts include tomato, pepper, cucumber, and various ornamental species. Rotsankers can persist in soil for several years, making crop rotation alone an ineffective control measure.

Management practices focus on reducing soil moisture, improving drainage, and employing fungicidal treatments. Biological control agents such as beneficial Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus subtilis have shown promise in suppressing rotsanker activity. Integrated disease management strategies that combine crop rotation, resistant cultivars, and soil amendments are currently recommended to mitigate the economic impact of rotsankers on agriculture.