Disease: Fusarium Wilt of TomatoPathogen: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersiciHost: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
Fusarium wilt of tomato is a common disease found throughout the world. The causal agent is a soilborne fungus called Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. The fungus invades the roots, grows into the xylem (water- and mineral-conducting tissue), and causes the plant to suddenly wilt. If the stem is cut, infected plants have browning of the xylem. The best method to control the disease in the garden is to plant cultivars labeled VFN. These are resistant to "V" (Verticillium wilt which is a similar disease), "F" (Fusarium wilt), and "N" (root-knot nematodes). It is also important to plant tomatoes in different parts of the garden each year to avoid the increase of the fungus in the soil.