Characteristics and Host Range of a Novel Fusarium Species Causing Yellowing Decline of Sugarbeet

Abstract

In 2008, a novel and distinct Fusarium species was reported in west central Minnesota causing early-season yellowing and severe decline of sugarbeet. This study was conducted to (i) establish optimum conditions for fungal growth and (ii) determine the host range of the novel Fusarium. The optimum temperature for fungal growth is 24°C and root injury is not needed to penetrate, infect, and cause disease of sugarbeet plants. Of the fifteen common crops and weeds tested for susceptibility to the new Fusarium sp. in field and greenhouse trials, disease symptoms were only observed in sugarbeet. Host range plants were tested for the presence of latent infection by root isolations and PCR. The pathogen was only present in canola and sugarbeet. The results suggest that canola has implications in the sugarbeet production system and management strategies for the novel Fusarium species. The name and description of the new Fusarium sp. is pending.