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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #402006
Research Project: Disease Management and Improved Detection Systems for Control of Pathogens of Vegetables and Strawberries

Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research

Title: Updates on Fusarium wilt research: aerial dispersal and resistance-breaking strains

Author
item Henry, Peter

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/7/2023
Publication Date: 2/7/2023
Citation: Henry, P.M. 2023. Updates on Fusarium wilt research: Aerial dispersal and resistance-breaking strains. University of California Cooperative Extension Annual Strawberry Production Research Meeting, February 7, 2023 (virtual).

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Two discoveries were made in 2022 with significant impacts on the epidemiology and management of Fusarium wilt of strawberry. First, fungal structures that produce airborne conidia were discovered across Fusarium wilt-afflicted fields in the Monterey Bay region. These structures, called sporodochia, were present on most plants and simple experiments demonstrated the potential for at least short distance dispersal of these spores. Second, a strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae that can cause disease on FW1-resistant cultivars were discovered in Oxnard, CA. This strain cannot be detected using common molecular methods and is known to exist in two different fields separated by 1.8 miles. Surveys for soilborne pathogens suggest it is not yet present in the Watsonville/Salinas or Santa Maria growing regions. Until its arrival, FW1-resistant cultivars will remain effective at preventing losses to Fusarium wilt.