Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Ginger Fusarium yellows (292)

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Photo 1. External symptom on ginger rhizome showing infection by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi.

Photo 2. Internal symptoms cuased by infection by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi; the fungus has infected the cortex or ground tissuesof the stem, and also the vascular tissues - the tissues that contain the xylem and phloem which carry the food and water.

Photo 3. After putting the cut rhizomes with rots at high humidity for 24 hours, the cottony growth of the fungus develops. Often the fungus can be seen on the rots on the rhizomes sold in stores.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. In the sub-tropics and tropics. On ginger, taro, and many more. An important disease.
• Soft rots on roots and buds of rhizomes from resting spores in soil or from rots in planting pieces.
• Leaves yellow and collapse in patches. Spread occurs as spores in ground water or in rhizomes.
• Cultural control: seed only from monitored source: preferably farmers' own seed; small beds, isolated by deep drains, or plant on ridges, or on a slope; 4-year crop rotation; weed.
• Chemical control: Previously, carbendazim or benomyl as seed treatment, but both have been withdrawn from use on this crop in many countries because of human health concerns. Use captan or thiram, dipping seed pieces in these chemicals after cutting.

Common Name

Fusarium yellows

Scientific Name

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi. Note that this fungus infects ginger and causes a wilt. However, in appearance it is similar to all other Fusarium oxysporum fungi, but differences can be detected genetically.

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