Fusarium wilt in Massachusetts?

[Jonathan_E]

Tomatovillans,

I know that fusarium wilt is not common as far north as Massachusetts, but I can't figure out what else is ailing a couple of my plants. What in particular makes me suspect FW as the culprit is the "unilateral" nature of the chlorosis and wilting. In other words, only one side of the plant yellowed and wilted initially; in some case, only one side of a leaf yellowed; in some, the leaves on only one side of a stem yellowed; and one of the fruit ripened only on one side.

Pictures are attached; suggestions are welcome.

Best regards,

Jonathan

[nctomatoman]

That's what it looks like to me. I could blame it on the Red sox frustratingly sputtering offense and inability to score runs when Dice K pitches! (I grew up in Pawtucket RI)....

A gardening friend who lives in Tewksbury claims to have a big time Fusarium problem.

[Jonathan_E]

Thanks very much, Craig

[carolyn137]

Fusarium is found in isolated pockets in MA.

But more likely might be Verticillium.

How are you making a decision between the two b/c they are often quite hard to tell apart?

I'm sure you've gone thru the possible symptoms as to wilting or not and when, browning of the lower stem, any v shaped lesions on the leaves, etc.

You might want to call your local Coop Ext and find out what's most likely in your area.

Whether it's Fusarium or Verticillium, both systemic diseases, the conclusions would be the same as to future growing in that particular area.

[Jonathan_E]

Carolyn,

I suspect it is Fusarium rather than Verticulum because:

1. I do not see v-shaped lesions on any of the leaves, even the worst ones (pics attached).

2. So far as I have read, the unilateral wilting is characteristic of F, not V.

3. Discoloration of the vascular tissues in the stem seems to be as advanced in the upper stem as in the lower stem (again, pics attached).

I am not aware of how the wilting pattern would help distinguish between V and F. My handy-dandy book on tomato diseases, published by Seminis seeds, says they both cause diurnal wilting. Any clarification would be appreciated.

I very much appreciate your help with this.

Best,

Jonathan

[nctomatoman]

From what I've read, the bright yellow is the giveaway sign for Fusarium. The tendency of some plants to just be partially affected is another.

[Jonathan_E]

So far, the fusarium symptoms have shown up mainly in a raised bed where I have a number of hybrids, including big boy, better boy, big beef, lemon boy and supersonic. Of them, only the big boys (four of them) show symptoms so far. I've also lost one Arkansas Traveler in another bed.

There is an interesting article on big boy, which was one of the first hybrid tomatoes, here: http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plant...Boy_Tomato.htm

[Jonathan_E]

Oh, I should add that there is a German Johnson (OP) in the same bed, and it looks fine.