By Bhabesh Dutta Fusarium wilt has emerged as a chronic problem in watermelon-growing regions in the United States, including Georgia. The disease has been responsible for significant pre- and post-harvest losses in yield and quality. Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON). DISEASE SYMPTOMSIn the field, symptoms typically start within two to three …
Fusarium Wilt Observed in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt disease continues to be observed in North Florida watermelons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, cautions growers against spending large amounts of money on potential remedies. They won’t be effective this late in the growing season. “I saw some of these …
Fumigation a StopGap Measure for Fusarium Wilt, Nematodes in Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson Fumigation remains a key component of a Florida tomato grower’s management program for nematodes and fusarium wilt disease. It is just not the silver bullet. Gary Vallad, professor of Plant Pathology at the UF/IFAS GCREC, stresses that fumigation programs that producers implement are just a stopgap measure until resistant varieties are developed. “This is something we’ve been …
Plant Breeding Remains Key to Fusarium Wilt Management
By Clint Thompson The key to eliminating fusarium wilt disease’s impact on watermelons in the Southeast is developing disease-resistance cultivars, says Nick Dufault, University of Florida/IFAS plant pathologist. “Where we stand is we’re trying to work with breeders and get new lines of resistance out there,” Dufault said. “We’re gaining a new understanding of the pathogen. I think we made …
Fusarium Wilt: Disease Worse This Year Amid Cooler Spring
By Clint Thompson It wasn’t ideal conditions for most watermelon diseases this spring. But one pathogen preferred the cool temperatures. Fusarium wilt, the disease that can cause plant death if the infection is severe enough, has been spotted throughout Florida and in the South Georgia production region, said Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate Professor in Horticultural Science. The cooler …
Fusarium Wilt a Problem in Watermelons in South Carolina
According to The South Carolina Grower, fusarium wilt disease is becoming more widespread in watermelon fields in South Carolina. Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath said fusarium wilt symptoms include wilting of leaves at the crown of the plant, wilting of one vine on a plant or wilting without yellowing of a small plant. The Fusarium fungus is most active when …
Fusarium Wilt on Rise in Watermelons
By Clint Thompson North Florida and South Georgia watermelon producers should not be surprised to see more fusarium wilt disease this spring. Weather has helped the disease be more problematic this year, according to Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist. “North Florida and South Georgia have the same issue in melons. We are two weeks or three …
Rapid Response: New UGA Test for Fusarium Wilt a Major Help for Watermelon Producers
University of Georgia scientists have developed a rapid test to determine the presence of fusarium wilt in watermelons. This test produces much faster and more efficient results and will facilitate research for breeders who are researching new varieties. They can produce options that have resistance to the disease. Emran Ali, head of the Plant Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at the University …
Fusarium Wilt: A Quick Review
By Nicholas S. Dufault It has been more than 120 years since an unknown watermelon wilt disease was observed to cause heavy losses in the southern United States. The re-emergence of this disease, identified as fusarium wilt (FW) caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), has led to a need for alternative control practices. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Numerous …
Managing Fusarium Wilt Disease in Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Watermelon growers can protect their investment against fusarium wilt disease before they transplant, according to Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable plant pathologist at the UGA Tifton campus. CHECK FOR SYMPTOMSDutta emphasizes that it’s important for growers to check their seedlings before planting for any type of wilting symptoms associated with fusarium wilt. “If …