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.
Factsheets
- Fusarium wilt of Watermelon, NC State Extension, 2018
- Marchitez de Fusarium en sandía, NC State Extension 2017
- Fusarium wilt of Watermelon, University of California, 2012
More information about Fusarium wilt
- A Diagnostic Guide for Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon, Plant management network, 2011
- Fusarium wilt of watermelon, University of Florida IFAS Extension, 2014
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
