Biological information:

• Common name: Fusarium
• Scientific name: Fusarium oxisporum
• Family or class: Nectriaceae

Symptoms and/or signs to watch out for:

• Wilting
• Chlorosis
• Necrosis
• Premature leaf drop
• Browning of the vascular system
• Stunting
• Damping off
• Older leaves yellow and drop first

Life cycle:

• 3 different types of pores
  • Microconidia
  • Macroconidia
  • Chlamydospores

Mode of reproduction:

• Asexual

Vectors for the pest:

• Spores move short distances via water splash or equipment
• Long distance via infected seeds and transplants

Overwintering habit:

• It can survive in soil and on infected plant matter for long periods of time
• Prefers warm, moist environments
• Can infect plants in soil temperatures as low as 14° C

Alternate hosts:

• Tomato
• Tobacco
• Cucurbits
• Legumes
• Sweet Potato
• Banana

 

Horticultural production information:

Control options:

Physical controls:

• Clean up dead plant matter
• Avoid excessively moist

Biological controls:

• Resistant varieties
• Clean seeds

Chemical controls:

• Fungicides are available but not 100% effective

 

Historical notes from Farm to YoU NH:

Date/circumstances observed (Pictures)

Control method used, efficacy of control method