Control - Remove infected plants from stock areas as soon as they are detected. Since Fusarium stem rot appears similar to other diseases, accurate disease diagnosis is very important prior to fungicide application. Always use pathogen-free cuttings and new or sterilized pots and potting media, and grow plants on raised benches with adequate spacing to allow rapid leaf drying following irrigation. The fungicides listed for Rhizoctonia control should be effective for Fusarium control as well. Be sure to check labels for legal uses.
Dead areas are dark brown and initially appear water-soaked.
Sporodochia form in concentric rings within the necrotic areas. Most gesneriads are susceptible to M. roridum. Control - Using fungicides when temperatures are between 70 and 85 F, minimizing wounding, and fertilizing at recommended levels contribute to the control of Myrothecium leaf spot. Growth of mycelia from the potting medium onto stems and leaves can escape notice and give the appearance that plants have been infected from an aerial source of inoculum. Close examination, however, generally reveals the presence of mycelia on stems prior to the development of obvious foliar symptoms.