Fusarium wilt
scouted July 17, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Fusarium sp.
- Background
- A tobacco field, variety NC991, in Bertie County was being scouted, and it was observed that 20% of the field was affected by stunting in patches in the field, high area, dry site. In the previous two years, corn was planted in the field. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as Fusarium wilt. It's caused by soilborne fungi that survive in organic matter and form very resistant spores. It's usually considered an opportunistic disease that develops when plants are stressed. It's recommended to prevent the spread through soil movement, minimize plant stress by managing nematodes and other diseases, and proper fertilization.