Fusarium wilt, also known as Panama disease, is a widespread and destructive fungal disease that affects hundreds of plant species, including many important food crops like tomatoes, bananas, potatoes, and melons. It is caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which lives in the soil and infects plants through their roots. This soil-borne pathogen lives in the ground and invades the plant's vascular system, disrupting water and nutrient transport, ultimately leading to plant death.
- Type of Infestation: Fungal Disease
- Common Name: Fusarium Wilt
- Causal Organism: Fusarium oxysporum
- Affected Parts Of the plant: Root, Stem, Leaves
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
- Warm temperatures (above 80°F)
- Sandy soils with poor drainage
- High soil moisture
- Monoculture (planting okra in the same field year after year)
- Presence of infected plant debris in the soil
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
- Wilting: The most characteristic symptom is wilting, starting with lower leaves and progressing upwards. This wilting typically occurs during the hottest part of the day and may recover somewhat at night, but worsens over time.
- Yellowing: Leaves on wilted branches turn yellow, often unevenly, between the veins.
- Stunted growth: Affected plants are stunted and appear weak, producing fewer and smaller pods.
- Vascular browning: If you cut open the stem of a diseased plant, you'll see brown discoloration in the vascular bundles, indicating fungal invasion.
Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
| Products | Technical Names | Dosages |
| Coc50 | Copper oxychloride 50 % wp | 2gm/ltr |
| Trichoderma Viride | Mix 1 – 2KG | |
| KTM | Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP | 250-600 grams per acre |
| Samartha | Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP | 300-400 grams per acre |
| Kzeb | Mancozeb 75% WP | 500gm per Acre |
