AbstractA root and crown rot leading to wilt ofFranklinia alatamahahas become an increasingly important disease in nursery production of this plant. The pathogenicity ofPhytophthorasp. isolated from diseased roots and crown cankers was shown in inoculated, rooted cuttings and 1 to 3 year-old, container-grown plants. The disease has not been observed in well-established field plantings of this tree. The fungus was identified asPhytophthora cinnamomion the basis of morphology and mating type. Truban or Banrot drenches effectively controlled the disease in container stock.