FW – Fusarium Wilt
Scientific Name: Fusarium oxysporum
Type: Fungus
Fusarium Wilt is a fungal disease that affects the growth of cantaloupes & melons, cauliflower, eggplants, peas, peppers, squash, tomatoes, and watermelons. It is one of the most devastating of all soil-borne diseases. It attacks the roots of the plants and moves up the stems. Symptoms include stunting and wilting. Plants don’t always die, but it slows growth and reduces yields. Infected seedlings will damping off, wilt, and die. If you stick with fusarium wilt resistant tomato varieties you don’t have to worry. Many of the older heirlooms don’t have any resistance to the disease, so if you grow these then you should keep an eye out for it. The infected plants should be removed to avoid further infestation. Plan on using a 3 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year, as the disease can survive in the soil for 7 years. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.