Phytophthora rot is caused by an oomycete (fungus-like organism), Phytophthora sojae and can cause seed rots, pre- and post-emergence damping off early in the season although infection can occur at any stage of development in soybean. Symptoms include mushy and water-soaked stems and stunted or wilted seedlings. Infection is favored by wet conditions after planting, but is more common in warmer soils (57 to 77 °F) than Pythium species.