Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli

Symptoms:

• concentric brown markings develop on the corm, usually at its base and while in storage
• crocuses and bulbous irises may also be affected
• the corm dries out, becoming mummified but not developing fungal growth
• if plants grow from infected corms, the foliage shows yellow flecing and later striping toward the tips of the outer leaves
• the discoloration spreads downward, and the leaves turn brown and die
• roots of affected corms blacken and may die back

Cause:

• the fungus usually enters the plant through the basal plate or roots of the corm

Control:

• dispose of plants showing foliage symptoms
• check all corms throuroughly before storing in a cool, dry place and again at the end of storage before replanting
• dry plants off after lifting and dip corms in a fungicide solution or treat them with sulfur dust
• plant on a fresh site each year