How to Manage Pests

Fusarium wilt on asparagus—Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. asparagi

Mature plants infected with Fusarium gradually decline in productivity and growth. Spears are weak and spindly. A reddish brown vascular discoloration, which may extend into the crown, is present at the base of infected stalks. Crowns and belowground portions of stems exhibit reddish flecks or sunken brown lesions, which can be seen when the plant is cut open.

Solutions

Fusarium wilt is introduced on transplants. Once in the soil, little can be done to prevent it from infecting other plants. Plant resistant varieties. If direct seeding, use clean seed.

Asparagus crowns infected with Fusarium

Discoloration of ferns