Fusarium

Fusarium is a saprophytic fungus, it can infect various species of plants and animals and even people. There are more than 100 species of this fungus, which is present in the soil and in some plants in various parts of the world. In addition, it is one of the main causes of vascular wilting.

Fusarium enters the roots of young plants and the organism blocks vessels in the cells.  As the infection spreads up into the stems, the cells are unable to transport water and nutrients to the plant causing the foliage to wilt and turn yellow.

In many cases, only one branch or side of the plant show symptoms. As the disease progresses, the younger leaves will also be affected and the plant eventually dies. In addition, as the fungus is in the ground and attacks from below, there is no indication of the structure of this on the surface.

Disease symptoms often appear later in the growing season and are first noticed on the lower (older) leaves. 

Some symptoms are: 

- Yellowed foliage

- Wilting on its leaves and on the stem.

- Delayed leaf growth.

- The leaves show a downward curvature and curl, better known as leaf epinasty.

- Root and stem necrosis.

- Defoliation.