University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Fungal Disease

Fusarium Wilt [Annuals and Perennials]
Fusarium spp.

Fusarium bulb rot of narcissus.
Fusarium bulb rot of narcissus.
 
Frequency
2 (1 = rare 5 = annual)
 
Severity
4 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)
 
Hosts
Chrysanthemum sp. and other herbaceous plants.

 
Plants Affected
 
Symptoms
Fusarium may enter through roots or at the soil line (collar rot). Plants wilt, then turn brown and die. Plants may go "piece meal" or all at one time.

 
Life Cycle
Fusarium lives in the soil. It normally helps break down dead plant material. However, when some plants become stressed, this weak pathogen attacks and often kills the plants.

 
Management
Control is to fix the stress on the plant (usually a root stress) if the plants are slowly declining. If the plants die, wait several years before planting again with susceptible varieties.

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic