Fusarium wilt, or fusarium, is an infectious fungal disease that affects a wide variety of plants. It is caused by pathogens of fungal etiology (imperfect Fusarium fungi ), of which there are about 70 species in nature. They can manifest themselves as parasites or semi-parasites, saprophytes or symbionts, however, long-term studies have shown that the disease mainly affects plants weakened due to other factors.
Pathogens most often penetrate the plant through the root system and subsequently cause its death. An extensive branched mycelium develops inside the vascular system, as a result of which the affected plant dies. Fusarium wilt develops very quickly, in fact, this occurs a few days after infection.
The disease is common in all climatic zones. In our country, it is most often found in the south, southeast or in the Far Eastern regions. On average, in the most unfavorable years, the yield of different crops can decrease by 40%.
Fusarium wilt of a cucumber at an early stage can be diagnosed by a drooping top in hot hours. If the disease proceeds in an acute form, then the plant withers completely and instantly. The root system suffers - the main rhizome dies, but the lateral processes partially retain viability.
In tomatoes, fusarium wilt begins with a change in the color of the lower leaves. They become chlorotic and drooping. With the development of the disease, the color of the veins changes - they acquire a brown color. Gradually, all leaves begin to die, necrosis appears.
Fusarium wilting of strawberries begins with the death of tissues along the edge of the leaves and a slight wilting. Then petioles and leaves turn brown, and the rosette loses its elasticity and falls apart. Rot may occur in high humidity. The plant dies completely after about 1.5 months.
In general, it can be noted that fusarium wilt can occur at any stage of the plant's life cycle, but most often this occurs during the flowering period.
How does infection happen?
The main source of infection is contaminated soil. Therefore, plants in greenhouses most often suffer, where the soil does not change and crop rotation is not applied. Another cause of fusarium infection is infected seeds. Mushrooms develop and grow with the plant, and then destroy it.
Fusarium wilt: prevention and control measures
Etching of planting material will prevent the possibility of introducing pathogens on the bed with seeds. Good digging of the soil, loosening, replacing the substrate, crop rotation and disinfection of the tool also lead to a decrease in the likelihood of the disease. Mushrooms develop well at high air temperatures (about 28 ° C), high humidity and a short daylight. Therefore, it is necessary to ventilate the greenhouses well. As a prophylaxis, you need to inspect the beds once a week and identify affected plants. Ill specimens are removed and burned. Good results are shown by preliminary steaming the soil and its disinfection with special biological preparations based on mushroom antagonists. Of the chemicals you can use Privekur.