FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.orgCreated in Pakistan, June 2014
Chemical control of Fusarium Wilt of Chillies
Recognize the problem
Fusarium wilt is caused by a fungus, which is not easy to see on the plant. The
disease enters through the roots of the plant and will affect the plant from the
roots to the leaves. It travels inside the plant through the food supplying
vessels of the plant. Vessels become blocked and turn yellow. Afterwards, the
leaves and fruit also start to turn yellow and become wilted.
Background
• The disease can often be found in the seeds if they are taken from an
already diseased plant. It is important therefore to make sure you treat
the seeds before you plant them.
• Sometimes, when the plant is already growing, it can be attacked by
fungus present in the soil. Chemicals can treat the problem when it is
seen on the plant, but they must be applied before it has caused too
much damage.
Management
• Treat the seeds before planting. Use a seed treatment on nursery plants
by dipping the roots in 0.2% solution of mancozeb (e.g. Dithane-M 45)
• Flood the field after emergence of the disease on a few plants
• Metalaxyl+mancozeb @ 250g/100l water/acre
• Mancozeb (e.g. Dithane-M 45) @250 g/100L water/ acre
• Fosetyl aluminum @ 100ml/100L water/ acre
Scientific name(s) > Fusarium oxysporum
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to: Pakistan
Authors: Directorate General Agriculture
Ext. & A. R. Edited by Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
PK050En
Lose Less, Feed More
Fusarium wilt of Chillies. (Photo by
A.A. Seif & B. Nyambo, icipe, CC
BY-NC-SA)
When using a pesticide, always wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the product label, such
as dosage, timing of application, and pre-harvest interval.
