FUSARIUM ROOT AND STEM ROT OF GREENHOUSE CUCUMBER: AERIAL DISPERSAL OF INOCULUM

T. D. Vatchev

Abstract: Fusarium root and stem rot is one of the most damaging diseases of greenhouse cucumber. This study reveals development and spread of airborne inoculum of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum the causal agent of the disease. Infective propagules of the pathogen were trapped from the air and recovered from greenhouse interior structures and equipment, including concrete floors, paths and stumps, iron scaffolding components, glass walls, roof surfaces, plastic pots and planters. The results suggest possible reinfestation of freshly steamed or fumigated soils by airborne propagules of the pathogen.

Keywords: airborne disease spread; cucumber; epidemiology; Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-cucumerinum; root and stem rot

Date published: 2017-09-14