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Fusarium crown and root rot (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici) of tomato is caused by a different Fusarium species than the pathogen causing Fusarium wilt. This soilborne disease advances more slowly than Fusarium wilt, though roots and stems still show extensive discoloration. Plants eventually wilt, but this may not occur until fruit bearing stage. Cracked cankers, sometimes with sporulation, may become evident on plant stems at the soil line.

Wilting due to Fusarium crown and root rot.

(Photo: Dan Egel, Purdue University, Bugwood.org)

Fusarium discoloration in lower stem.

(Photo: Dan Egel, Purdue University, Bugwood.org)

Fusarium crown and root rot lesion at stem base.

(Photo: Dan Egel, Purdue University, Bugwood.org)

Management:

• Plant only resistant varieties in soils known to be infested.
• Avoid physically damaging plants.
• Rotate to a non-host.
• Fumigation or solarization may need to be considered.

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