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Glite Dictionary
bottom rot

bottom rot

7.9
A disease caused by a fungus that makes the bottom leaves of plants rot first
  • noun
  • /ˈbɑːtəm rɑt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : podredumbre basal
  • The lettuce crop was devastated by bottom rot after a week of heavy rain.

Examples

  • Farmers are concerned about bottom rot affecting their crops.

  • The lettuce suffered from bottom rot this season.

  • Farmers often inspect plants for early signs of bottom rot to prevent its spread.

  • Proper soil drainage can help reduce the risk of bottom rot in vegetable gardens.

  • The farmer noticed that her lettuce was suffering from bottom rot, with the lower leaves turning yellow and wilting.

  • To avoid bottom rot in your crops, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plants.

  • Signs of bottom rot include rotting lower leaves and a foul smell coming from the base of the plants.

Synonyms

rot
vsbottom rot
24 1.6

The breaking down of things like food or wood by bacteria and mold

is a specific fungal disease affecting lower leaves first in leafy crops

Antonyms

growth
137 1.4

An increase in size and parts of a living thing over time

Surface Forms

bottom rot singular
bottom rots plural

Morphology

bottom + rot

The compound is directly compositional: 'bottom' (lowest part) + 'rot' (decay) clearly yields a meaning of decay occurring at the lowest part. A B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer this plant disease description without prior exposure, since the construction follows common noun+noun composition patterns.

Etymology

The term bottom rot comes from farmers who saw the lowest leaves or the base of a plant begin to rot in wet soil. So the name now means a 'disease' that starts at the bottom of a plant and then spreads up.