Disease guide

Fusarium Foot Rot

Causal Agent

Fusarium solani (teleomorph: Nectria haematococca)

Distribution

Austrailia, India, Israel, Ivory Coast, Turkey and USA

Symptoms

Fusarium foot rot symptoms are similar to those of Buckeye root rot, and first appear on mature plants as interveinal chlorosis and necrosis of the leaves. In severe cases, leaves turn brown and collapse, and the entire plant may die. Reddish dark brown lesions form on the taproot and main lateral roots up to 30 cm (12 in.) below the soil-line. Internal vascular discoloration may extend 2-10 cm (1-4 in.) beyond the lesions.

Crown lesion with vascular discoloration. Crown lesion with vascular discoloration.

Conditions for Development

This fungus can survive in the soil for 2-3 years. Cooler temperatures favor disease development, even though the fungus can grow well at a soil temperature of 27°C (81°F). Infection can occur through wounds in the plant roots.

Control

The use of fungicides, soil fumigation, soil solarization or a four-year rotation to a non-host crop may help reduce losses from this disease.

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