Pest & Disease Fusarium ear and stalk rot

Fusarium ear and stalk rot

Fusarium spp.

Also Known As - Fusarium blight,Basal rot,Seed piece decay,Damping off and seed rots

What is Fusarium ear and stalk rot ( Fusarium spp.)?

Fusarium ear and stalk rot, caused by Fusarium species like Fusarium verticilliodes, F. proliferatum, and F. subglutinans, affects crops such as corn, wheat, barley, and sorghum. It causes symptoms like dull green leaves, yellowing of lower stalk, premature plant death, lodging, the disintegration of stalk pith, and pink discoloration at nodes. It can infect up to 75% of seeds and overwinters in soil debris, causing root rot and lower stalk rot.

How does Fusarium ear and stalk rot ( Fusarium spp.) occur?

Two types of conidia are produced, macroconidia and microconidia, that can be splashed and dispersed onto leaves and infect the nodes. European corn borer is a vital vector moving Fusarium fungus from plant to plant (adult stage) and creating wounds necessary to allow the fungus to enter the plant (larval stage). Fusarium root and stalk rots typically occur in complexes with other root and stalk rots such as Gibberella, Diplodia, and Colletotrichum.

Symptoms

1 - Soil Health

• The presence of Fusarium species can affect soil health and disrupt the balance of beneficial microorganisms. • Fungal populations may increase, potentially impacting soil fertility and ecosystem dynamics.

2 - Crop Productivity

• The disease can cause significant yield losses and reduced crop quality, affecting agricultural productivity. • Infected plants may have reduced grain or seed production, leading to economic losses for farmers.

Solutions

1 -

1. Rotate susceptible crops with non-host crops to break the disease cycle and reduce the buildup of Fusarium pathogens in the soil. 2. Remove and destroy infected crop residues to reduce the presence of inoculum in the field. 3. Treat seeds with fungicides to minimize seed-borne infections and improve seed health. 4. Plant-resistant varieties are less susceptible to Fusarium ear and stalk rot. Choose cultivars bred for resistance to the specific Fusarium species in your area. 5. Practice good field hygiene by controlling weeds and removing plant debris that can serve as hosts for the pathogen.

2 - Biological control agents

1. Trichoderma spp.: Various strains of Trichoderma have been studied for their ability to suppress Fusarium infections. 2. Bacillus spp.: Certain species of Bacillus, such as Bacillus subtilis, have shown antagonistic activity against Fusarium pathogens. 3. Pseudomonas fluorescens: Some strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens have demonstrated biocontrol activity against Fusarium species. Consult local agricultural experts for recommended products and application guidelines.

3 - Chemical Control

1. Triazoles: Examples include tebuconazole, prothioconazole, and propiconazole. 2. Strobilurins: Examples include azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin. 3. Carboxamides: Examples include fluxapyroxad and penthiopyrad. Always follow label instructions and consult with local agricultural experts or extension services for recommended products and application guidelines.

Susceptible Species

FAQ

Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?

Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.

How often should you water indoor plants?

Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.

Can my monstera plant get root rot?

Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.

Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?

No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.

What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?

If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.

Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?

Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.

Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?

Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.

Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?

No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.