The initial symptom is the development of small, interveinal chlorotic spots on upper leaves of individual or scattered plants. These spots increase in size and become brown in color. The leaves usually wilt and may drop early. Root and stem decay occur with superficial reddish-orange fungal fruiting bodies developing on the main stem or slightly above the soil line later in the season. The fungus survives in the soil as microsclerotia.

Rotation with peanuts should be avoided.