When conditions become unfavorable, the fungus overwinters in sclerotia inside the dead host plant tissue, or within the soil. The sclerotia can be dispersed through soil by rain and water irrigation. Moist, humid conditions, and high nitrogen fertilization are favorable conditions for the sclerotia, which germinate in wet areas of the leaf or sheath.
When circumstances deteriorate, the fungus enters a state of dormancy within sclerotia inside decaying host plant tissue or soil. Sclerotia can be spread through soil by rainfall and irrigation. Damp, humid conditions, and high nitrogen fertilization are conducive to the sclerotia's growth, which germinates in wet regions of the leaf or sheath.