Also known as Basal Rot

Physical Description

 

Species & Taxonomy

• Kingdom:
• Phylum:
• Class:
• Order:
• Family:
• Genus Species: Fusarium spp.

Plants Affected

• Tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons are frequently affected
• soft-stemmed plants, especially seedlings and cuttings, are commonly affected, but most annual, biennial, and herbaceous perennial plants may show symptoms

Signs & Symptoms

Whole Plant

• deterioration of basal stem tissues causes the upper parts of the plant to wilt, discolor and die back
• the tissues at the stem base may darken, atrophy, become discolored (usually darkening), and occasionally soften

Leaves

Flowers

Fruit

Roots/Tubers

root rot may occur simultaneously

How to Positively Identify

 

Treatment

• no cure for infected plants, but you can prevent the spread of the fungus

Prevention & Control

• prevent spread by promptly removing infected plants, along with the soil mix or soil around their roots
• hygienic cultivation techniques, including the use of sterilized media, clean trays, pots & tools, even water
• see “Fusarium Wilt” for more ideas on combating fusarium