Fusarium wilt
scouted Sept. 8, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Fusarium oxysporum
- Background
- A tobacco field in Caswell County, variety 987, was being scouted, and it was observed that 20% of the field was affected in patches by dieback, yellowing, and wilting. This field is a dry site. There are signs of disking; the pith has turned black. 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, minimizing plant stress by managing nematodes and other diseases, as well as proper fertilization.
- Resources
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- No resources have been added.