Sporodochia formed by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae: occurrence and implications

Authors: DILLA-ERMITA, CHRISTINE - University Of California; Henry, Peter

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2023
Publication Date: 3/9/2023
Citation: Dilla-Ermita, C.J., Henry, P.M. 2023. Sporodochia formed by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae: Occurrence and implications. North American Strawberry Growers Association Annual Meeting, March 7-10, 2023, San Luis Obispo, California.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Since the discovery of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae causing strawberry Fusarium wilt in California, transmission has been only known through infected planting materials, contaminated farm implements, soil, and water. Recently however, dense masses of fungal hyphae that bear asexual spores known as sporodochia, were observed in necrotic aboveground parts of Fusarium-infected strawberry plants in Monterey County, California. To assess the prevalence of sporodochia production, we surveyed 24 Fusarium wilt-afflicted strawberry fields. Spore-bearing sporodochia were very common in severely infected plants from 21 strawberry fields. Furthermore, we also determined the risks of airborne transmission of conidia from sporodochia through a spore dispersal box experiment. Under moderate windspeed, spores produced by sporodochia can disperse with wind over short distances. Therefore, the pathogen can be aerially dispersed and with the high prevalence of airborne spore-bearing sporodochia, our findings have important implications in Fusarium wilt disease management and biosecurity measures.