Fusarium wilt disease has been reported in over 30 countries. It usually affects tomatoes in southern areas of the US and Europe. In more nothern, colder climates it is usually limited by low temperatures but it can wipe out greenhouse populations entirely. Luckily, you can take action to control and even prevent this dreadful disease.
Causes and Symptoms
Fusarium wilt in tomatoes is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Lycopersici, which is soil borne and can survive indefinitely without any host. Most occurrances are associated with infected tomato debris left in the soil.
An infected tomato will begin yellowing on the bottom leaves. The yellowing will begin on one side of the leaf, shoot, or branch and then slowly spread out and up the vine. The vines will brown along the veins and eventually wilt permanently, resulting in a stunted plant. If the plant doesn’t die altogether, it will be weak and produce inferior tomatoes.