Fusarium ear and stalk rot
Fusarium spp.
Also Known As - Fusarium blight,Basal rot,Seed piece decay,Damping off and seed rotsWhat 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.
