The disease has spread rapidly throughout the Southeast and is limiting the usefulness of mimosa as a landscape ornamental in that region. This disease is also increasing in New Mexico, and has been spread throughout the mimosa's range by contaminated soil in nursery containers. Some trees die within a few weeks after first wilting, but most die branch by branch over several months. Almost all infected trees die within a year of first wilting. In advanced stages, infected trees ooze a frothy liquid from cracks and grow sprouts on trunks.
Brown streaks develop in the roots on the side of the tree where branches first begin to wilt.
Biology of Fusarium Mimosa wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. The fungus usually enters through wounds, although a weakened tree is often invaded directly. Near construction areas, tree roots suffering from soil compaction often become infected. The fungus grows into the woody tissue and produces spores that are carried upward in the sap stream. Spores lodge at vessel end walls, germinate, and penetrate adjacent vessels and cells.