Fusarium: The Versatile Soil Borne Pathogen and Its Integrated Management
Swarna Kurmi
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Sanjay Kharte
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Jayant Bhatt
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
A. K. Jain
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Shubham Mishra
Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, Bhopal, India.
Rajendra Patel *
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Narmadapuram, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is a destructive vascular disease affecting diverse crops such as peas, tomatoes, bananas, and cotton. The pathogen invades the xylem, disrupting water transport and leading to chlorosis, wilting, and plant death. Its survival is facilitated by resistant chlamydospores that persist in soil for years, complicating disease management. Severe yield losses, often reaching 100% in susceptible cultivars, have been reported worldwide. Although crop rotation, biological control agents, and resistant varieties offer partial control, the absence of a completely effective strategy remains a major challenge. Excessive reliance on chemical fungicides has further contributed to environmental and health concerns, as well as pathogen resistance. Hence, the development and adoption of integrated and sustainable management practices are crucial for effective suppression of Fusarium wilt.
Keywords: Wilt, fusarium, management, soil borne