S. rolfsii primarily infects ramie stem, although it may affect any part of the plant under favorable environmental condition.

Symptoms:

• the initial visible symptoms are progressive yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
• The first signs of infection, are dark-brown lesions on the stem at or just beneath the soil level.
• Ramie seedlings are very susceptible and die quickly once they become infected.

Size:

Mustard like sclerotial bodies germinate very rapidly as soon as the favourable condition occurs in the field.

Climate:

Temperature: 20-300 C

Causes:

Frequent rain followed by warm temperature is the most conducive factors for the development of this disease.