Fusarium Wilt of Tomatoes and Capsicums

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici

Description:

A soil borne fungus that causes wilting of plants and yellowing of leaves and eventual plant death. The stem appear normal but when cut reveal that the vascular tissue is stained reddish to pinkish brown.

Species Affected:

Capsicum, Tomato.

Biology:

Favoured by warm weather with temperatures from 25-320C

Enters the plant through the roots.

The fungus may remain viable in the soil for many years.

Spread in soil and by implements and shoes carrying infected soil

Life Cycle:

Origin and History:

Distribution:

Significance:

Management and Control:

Use healthy seedlings.

Plant resistant varieties.

Allow at least 4 years between successive crops.

Fumigate affected areas and seedbeds.

Apply fungicides.

Tomatoes

Use resistant varieties e.g. Burnley Gem, FA16, Floradale, Floradel, Hybrid Surprise, Strobelee, Tropic, UC134, Walter.

Related and Similar Species:

References:

1205

Acknowledgments:

Collated by HerbiGuide. Phone 08 98444064 for more information.