Mimosa Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum var. perniciosum
Anonymous. 1989. Insects and Diseases of Trees in the South. USDA Forest Service. Protrotection Report R8-PR16. 98 pp.
Contents |
Importance
Mimosa wilt is the most devastating disease of mimosa. In many areas it has almost eliminated ornamental mimosas. The disease can be found from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas.
Identifying the Fungus
Fruiting of the fungus is inconspicuous. Small pads of fungal tissue which bear spores are sometimes formed on dead twigs. Laboratory culturing and diagnosis are needed to identify the causal fungus.
Identifying the Injury
Symptoms include chlorotic and wilting foliage. Discoloration of the outer ring of sapwood usually occurs, and trees may die within 6 weeks after becoming infected.
Biology
The organism survives in soil and enters through the tree roots. While the specific mode of action of this fungus is not known, the effect is to disrupt the upward movement of nutrients and water.
Control
Plant resistant varieties of mimosa.
