Several Fusarium species are widespread
pathogens on small-grain cereals around the world and
can cause root-, stem- and ear-rot, resulting in severe
reductions in crop yield, often estimated at between
10% and 40% (Antonio and Giancarlo 2002). The wilt
of castor caused by F. oxysporum f. sp ricini, is the
most serious disease of castor in India (Desai and
Dange 2003).