This page was updated on Monday March 17 2008

COMPLEX TOMATO DISEASES
compiled by
the California Tomato Research Institute, 1998


Fusarium Wilt



Scientific Name

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Races 1 and 2 common. Race 3 Sutter/Yolo Counties.

Overall Plant Symptoms

Plants yellow and wilt, Sometimes only isolated branches of diseased plants show symptoms.

Leaf Symptoms

Yellowing is bright, no leaf pattern. Easily confused with other problems, especially single branch infections.

Stem Symptoms

Internal stem browning especially the leaf stem scar. No discoloration of the pith.

Root and Fruit Symptoms

Root: darker reddish browning of xylem, but similar to Vert. Use other symptoms to help identify.

Disease Source

Long distance: seed and transplants. Localized: water, machinery, vehicles, etc. Specific host is tomato.

Source Peristence

Indefinitely.

Favoring Conditions

Warm temperatures, acidic sandy soils. Minor root injuries enhance infection.

Critical Crop Time

A cumulative disease, reducing vigor and green leaf area until plant collapses.

Controls/Management

Resistant varieties (race 1 & 2) Delay onset by early (cool) planting periods. Avoid ammonical nitrogen.

Additional Notes

Easily confused with the more common Verticillium Wilt.



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