Incidence and symptoms of Fusarium diseases of carnations in Victoria

The etiology and symptomatology of the Fusarium disease complex in carnations in Victoria was examined. Data were collected from the diagnostic records held at the Department of Agriculture and from surveys of diseased and healthy, mature carnation plants and symptomless cuttings. Fusarium was isolated from both symptomless and diseased plants, the latter exhibiting a wide range of symptoms. Results showed that several Fusarium species are present in the production system in Victoria, with 16 species positively identified. Results also indicate that there are three pathogenic species present in Victoria. F. oxysporum was most commonly associated with wilt symptoms, F. avenaceum caused basal, stem and stub rots and dieback, and F. graminearum induced basal stem rot and dieback symptoms.