Tough tomatoes: Disease-resistant varieties of tomatoes are upping the fight against soil-borne fusarium wilt.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 7-11-2023

Journal Title

WA Grower

Disciplines

Agricultural Science | Agriculture | Fruit Science | Horticulture | Plant Sciences

Abstract

Fusarium wilt {Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersic,1, sometimes called fusarium canker, is a critical issue for tomato growers in Carnarvon.

Fusarium fungi live in the soil and can survive for many years without a host. The fungus enters through the roots and builds up in the vascular tissue as it spreads through the plant. This causes blockage of the vascular tissues so the plants cannot take up water and nutrients adequately, resulting in yellowing, wilting and finally death of the above ground plant parts.

Infected plants usually show serious symptoms when they reach the fourto-five truss stage. This disease is destructive, significantly reducing yield and overall production. In addition to fusarium pathogens, Carnarvon plantations often have high levels of soil borne nematodes [Meloidogyne spp.l, which affect crop growth. In the root zone, nematode attacks can reduce the resistance of plants to pathogens and increase their susceptibility to infection by fusarium.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS