What is Fusarium?

Discover how Fusarium, a soil-borne fungus, harms cannabis plants by causing various diseases and learn about mitigation methods.

Fusarium, a genus of soil-borne fungi, poses a significant threat to controlled environment agriculture, particularly in cannabis cultivation. Among its various manifestations, Fusarium causes Fusarium wilt disease, a vascular infection that disrupts plant water and nutrient transport. Fusarium species thrive in soil, waiting for favorable conditions to infect host plants, making them particularly troublesome for crops like Cannabis.

Download our Fusarium Fact Sheet for more information.

Fusarium in Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis has an intricate root system, making it susceptible to Fusarium infestations. Fusarium wilt in Cannabis manifests as wilting, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and ultimately, plant death. Fusarium species can infect Cannabis plants through contaminated soil, water, equipment, or infected plant material. Poor hygiene practices, shared tools, or the reuse of contaminated growing mediums increase the transmission risk, exacerbating the problem.

For cultivators using coco medium, consider sterilizing it using our step-by-step guide.

Symptoms of Fusarium Infections in Cannabis:

A Fusarium infection in Cannabis plants typically manifests as wilting, discoloration, and stunted growth. Wilting of leaves and stems may occur(Fig. A), often accompanied by a characteristic discoloration of vascular tissues (Fig. C, D). Leaves may exhibit yellowing or browning, starting from the lower foliage and progressing upwards (Fig.B).

Additionally, Fusarium-infected plants may have a foul odor, resulting from decaying tissues. As the fungal pathogen infiltrates the plant's vascular system, it disrupts water and nutrient transport, leading to plant death.

Mitigation Strategies for Fusarium Species:

Infected plants suffer from reduced vigor, compromised yields, and diminished product quality, leading to economic losses and operational challenges for cultivators. Mitigating Fusarium infections requires rigorous disease management practices, including strict sanitation, and the use of resistant cultivars or biological control agents.

Cultivators should implement protocols for sanitization, ensure the use of disease-free planting material, and monitor water quality to minimize the introduction and spread of Fusarium species.

For phytosanitary recommendations, read our S.T.O.P. Pathogens Program Guide.

Regular diagnostics can identify early Fusarium infections, allowing for targeted treatment and timely interventions. Employing fungicides with proven effects against Fusarium species can complement integrated disease management strategies, bolstering the resilience of Cannabis crops against Fusarium wilt.

Explore our Fusarium test kit options, and start testing today.

Proactive Measures in Cannabis Cultivation

Fusarium challenges Cannabis cultivation and controlled environment agriculture. Understanding the characteristics of Fusarium wilt and using proactive disease management strategies can safeguard crops and support industry stability. By prioritizing prevention, early detection, and effective control measures, cultivators can mitigate the impact of Fusarium and produce high-quality yields.

References:

• Agrios, G. N. (2005). Plant Pathology (5th ed.). Elsevier Academic Press.

• McGovern, R. J. (2015). Fusarium Wilt of Cannabis: Causal Agents, Variability, and Management of an Emerging Disease. Phytopathology, 105(12), 1512-1522.

• McMullen, M., Jones, R., & Gallenberg, D. (1997). Scab of Wheat and Barley: A Re-Emerging Disease of Devastating Impact. Plant Disease, 81(12), 1340-1348.

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About TUMI Genomics

TUMI Genomics is advancing cannabis cultivation by bringing biological insights to help commercial growers thrive. Through comprehensive preventative solutions, superior pathogen diagnostics, and AI-driven insights, TUMI Genomics is helping cultivators start clean and stay clean. The unrivaled diagnostics, transparent validation and industry-leading pathogen detection innovations provided by TUMI Genomics are raising the standards of commercial cannabis cultivation. The team at TUMI Genomics is composed of deeply experienced Ph.D. molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, business strategists, and accomplished serial entrepreneurs.

Media Contact: Hailey Spencer, Marketing Director

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