Fusarium Wilt
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AboutFungus that only infects tomatoes. Like verticillium, causes leaf yellowing and discoloration of water-conducting tissues. Fungi spread in soil water, on equipment, transplants, or tubers. Once inside the root, the fungus grows until it reaches the water-conducting cells, inside which it spreads upward through the plant, restricting water flow.
Photo: Courtesy UC Regents -
Category
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Fungi
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Signs/Symptoms
Plants turn yellow starting with one side or branch and gradually spreading through the plants, eventually killing them.
Growth is typically stunted, and little or no fruit develops.
Browning of the water-conducting tissue compared to healthy ivory color of uninfected plants.
Verticillium and Fusarium discoloration are extremely difficult to distinguish, although Fusarium discoloration tends to be darker.
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Where
Fusarium tends to occur more in warmer soils and Verticillium in cooler ones.
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When
When temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees F.
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Prevent
Plant resistant varieties, which are indicated by the letters F or FF. If you wish to grow susceptible varieties, problems can sometimes be minimized by removing all residue, including roots, which may be susceptible, and using soil solarization before you plant.
Avoid using too much nitrogen fertilizer.
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Manage
Remove infected plants.
Do not plant any Solanaceae plants in the infected area for four years.
Sanitize stakes and tomato cages at the end of the season.
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More Information
