Fusarium root rot
(Fusarium spp.)

Overview

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Fusarium root rot is a seedling disease that thrives under hot, dry conditions. The disease is common to the Prairie Provinces of Canada and results in losses of approximately 6-7% annually on the prairies, due mainly to a reduction in number of heads.

Main description

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Symptoms of Fusarium root rot do not appear until two to three weeks after planting. Initial symptoms include narrow, long, red to brown lesions located on the base of the stems. The lesions are most often present on the taproot and hypocotyl. Infected plants show stunted growth, with the leaves appearing yellowish-green. Poor root establishment causes limited nutrient uptake, which often results in uneven plant stands, a reduction in crop densities, and therefore, a yield loss at the end of the season.

Scouting

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Early in the season, check for a reduction in plant stands or generally low vigor in existing stands. Dig up weak plants and check their roots for signs of damage. Due to the severity and impact of this disease, seed treatment or drench application of systemic fungicides are the best alternatives for the control of this disease. Severely infected plants ripen prematurely and are conspicuous within green crop stands.  These plants are easily pulled out of the soil.