Today it has been reported in at least 32 countries worldwide. Fruit infection occasionally occurs and can be detected by the vascular tissue discoloration within the fruit Click photos to enlarge Disease Cycle Fusarium wilt is a warm-weather disease, most prevalent on acid sandy soils. The pathogen is soil borne and remains in infested soils for several years.
Invasion occurs through wounds in the roots growing through infested soil.
Control Use resistant cultivars for the control of races 1 and 2. Monogenic resistance to race 3 has been identified. Use resistant cultivars, when available for the control of this race. Pasteurization of the infested soil with steam or fumigants reduces the instance of wilted plants and greatly increases marketable and total yields. Raise the soil pH to 6.5-7, and use nitrate nitrogen rather than ammoniacal nitrogen.