Prevention: the most powerful weapon in the fight against Fusarium

Growers worldwide have to deal with the soil-borne fungal disease Fusarium wilt. As the name suggests, wilting is the most common symptom, but this soil-borne fungus can manifest itself in other ways depending on the crop. The best tip we can give growers is that prevention is better than cure.

Fusarium wilt is an incredibly difficult disease to treat. The fungus that causes this disease, Fusarium , is found worldwide and can infect many plants. In addition to causing wilting, Fusarium wilt is also responsible for causing rot in fruit and in the stems and base of plants, spoiling after harvest, spots on leaves, and dried-out grains. And unfortunately, an infection can be difficult to identify at the start.

Fusarium often strikes when a crop is weak, but there are also varieties of this fungus that can devastate entire crops, as was the case in banana cultivation.

Unfortunately, Fusarium wilt is difficult to combat. This makes prevention essential. Because many Fusarium species and varieties strike when crops are weak, it is essential to ensure that the plant grows well. Other prevention advice includes choosing resistant varieties, working cleanly, and avoiding stress to the plant. The beneficial soil-borne fungus Trichoderma harzianum strain T-22, which is sold as Trianum, can help keep Fusarium at bay. This fungus competes with Fusarium in the soil for nutrients and can even destroy this harmful fungus. However, it is important to apply this Trichoderma at an early stage, preferably during planting.