Fusarium Crown and Root Rot 

CAUSAL AGENT

Fusarium solani is a soilborne fungus that invades a plant’s vascular system disrupting water and nutrient transport. It is relatively common in cucurbit cultivation.

SYMPTOMS

Plants wilt and yellow, accompanied by brown discoloration and decay of the lower stem and root tissues. As the disease progresses, affected plants may exhibit stunted growth and eventually succumb to the pathogen.

DISEASE CYCLE

Fusarium solani survives in the soil as chlamydospores or mycelium within infected plant debris between cropping seasons. When conditions are favorable, it germinates and infects plant roots, leading to root damage and the characteristic wilting and yellowing symptoms. The fungus also produces spores disseminated through various means 

MANAGEMENT

• Rotate crops. Avoid planting cucurbits in the same location for consecutive seasons, as Fusarium solani can persist in the soil. Implement a crop rotation plan to reduce the pathogen’s build-up in the field.
• Sterilize soil. Use soil solarization techniques to kill the pathogen in the soil before planting. These methods can help reduce the initial inoculum.
• Use resistant cultivars: Choose cucumber, squash, or pumpkin cultivars that are labeled as resistant to Fusarium crown and root rot. Resistant varieties can provide an effective means of control.
• Employ adequate sanitation. Remove and destroy infected plant material to prevent spreading the pathogen. Proper debris disposal is crucial to reduce the disease’s persistence.
• Ensure proper soil drainage. Well-drained soils prevent waterlogged conditions, as Fusarium crown and root rot thrives in wet environments.