Fusarium lettuce wilt can be killed off completely on tools and other equipment by selecting and using the correct disinfectant. However, it is important to pay proper attention to dosage and contact times. A contact time of five seconds with Huwa-San TR-50 appears to be very effective if the material has been properly pre-cleaned. Stabilisers and correct storage are important when using hydrogen peroxide.

What is Fusarium wilt?

Fusarium wilt or ‘Fol’ (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae) can already be found today on a large number of lettuce farms. Fusarium oxysporum is a fungus that can survive in soil indefinitely, as well as on dead plant material when the host plant is not present. Above-ground spread of the fungus occurs through the spread of diseased plant material, plant residues, cultivation treatments and via water droplets.

Hygiene is essential

Hygiene is crucial in preventing further spread. Hygiene measures (cleaning and disinfecting of all materials: boxes, knives, etc.) are also of great importance in preventing the introduction of other pathogens, and also to limit the spread of Fol within the farm.

Long exposure times are effective but not realistic.

Among the Fusarium spores, chlamydospores are the most difficult to eradicate. The tests were therefore carried out on these specific spores. Soil with chlamydospores or survival structures of Fol physio 4 were exposed to the following disinfectants (see table). Because a long exposure time is not feasible in practice, a shorter exposure time of five seconds was also tested. The treated soil was then placed onto a nutrient medium and the eradication rate was calculated.

The results
– Efficiency of Huwa-San TR-50 against Fol