Fusarium wilt of plants: symptoms of diseases

Fusarium wilt, or Fusarium, – is an infectious fungal disease affecting a variety of crops. Call it agents of fungal etiology (imperfect fungi Fusarium), which in nature there are about 70 species. They can Express themselves as parasites or propersity, saprophytes or symbionts, but years of research have shown that the disease mainly affects plants that are weakened due to other factors.

Pathogens often penetrate into the plant through the root system and further cause its death. Within the vascular system develops an extensive branched mycelium, resulting in the affected plant dies. Fusarium wilt develops very quickly, in fact it happens a few days after infection.

The Disease is widespread in all climatic zones. In our country most often found in the South, South-East or in the far Eastern regions. On average, in the most unfavourable years, the yield of different crops may be reduced by 40%.

Fusarium wilt of cucumber at the early stage can be diagnosed by drooping the tip in the hottest hours. If the disease occurs in acute form, then the plant withers completely and instantly. Suffering root system - the rhizome dies, but lateral processes partly remain viable.

The tomato Fusarium wilt starts with changing the color of the lower leaves. They become chlorotic and wilted. With the development of the disease changes the color of the veins – they become brown in color. Gradually begin to die off all the leaves, necrosis appears.

Fusarium wilt of strawberry starts with the withering away of the tissue around the edge of the leaves and slight wilting. Then turn brown, the stalks and leaves, and the socket loses its elasticity and collapses. May rot in high humidity. All the plant dying after about 1.5 months.

Overall, it can be noted that Fusarium wilt can occur at any stage of the life cycle of the plant, but more often it occurs during the flowering period.

How is infection

The Main source of infection – infected soil. Therefore, most often affects plants in greenhouses where the soil does not change and does not apply the rotation. Another reason for the occurrence of Fusarium – infected seeds. Mushrooms develop and grow together with the plant, and then destroy it.

Fusarium wilt: prevention and disease

Treatment of planting material will prevent the possibility of entry of pathogens to the furrow with the seed. Good digging the soil, hoeing, replacement of substrate, the crop rotation and the disinfection of tools also reduce the possibility of disease. Mushrooms grow well at high temperatures (about 28 °C), high humidity and short daylight hours. Therefore, it's important to ventilate greenhouses. As prevention once a week you need to inspect the beds and to identify infected plants. Ill the instances are removed and incinerated. Shows good results the preliminary steaming of the soil and its disinfection special biological preparations on the basis of fungal antagonists. Of chemicals, you can apply the “Previcur”.