Fusarium wilt on watermelon

Fusarium oxysporum, f. sp. niveum

Fusarium wilt causes wilting of the above ground tissue and general vine decline in watermelon. Typically, one side of the plant will exhibit more severe symptoms than the other, which is known as unilateral wilting. The fungus colonizes the vascular system causing discoloration that is visible if stems are cut open longitudinally. Fusarium wilt typically occurs in patches in the field. Infection occurs in the Spring when temperatures are cooler, but symptoms are seen in the summer when higher temperatures favor the wilt symptoms. For more information about Fusarium wilt on watermelon, visit the Watermelon Breeding page.

Factsheets

Fusarium wilt of Watermelon – NC State Extension
Marchitez de Fusarium en sandía – NC State Extension
Fusarium wilt of Watermelon – University of California

Plant Disease Management Reports

More information about Fusarium wilt

Cucurbit Crop and Disease News
Fusarium wilt posts
A Diagnostic Guide for Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon – Plant management network
Fusarium wilt of watermelon – University of Florida IFAS Extension

Figure 1. Wilting of the aboveground tissue. All leaves are wilted or necrotic. Image provided by Nathan Miller, NCSU Vegetable Pathology Lab.

Figure 2. Brown streaking in the xylem tissue. Dr. Dan Egel, Purdue University.

Figure 3. Fusarium wilt is a patchy disease and healthy plants can be found in between diseased plants.

Figure 4. Unilateral wilting of single, green vines due to Fusarium wilt. Dr. Lina Quesada, NCSU Vegetable Pathology Lab