FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.orgCreated in Myanmar [Burma], June 2014
Fusarium wilt on chilli
Recognize the problem
Fusarium causes wilting and drying of chilli plants. The disease is difficult to
control effectively because it is soil-borne and can spread to other fields. This
disease is common in several crops.
Background
Chilli is an export crop which can provide a high income for farmers. Infection
with Fusarium can result in yield losses of 20-30%. Fusarium disease can
survive for many years in soil or plant residues. There are very few varieties of
chilli that are genetically resistant to this disease. Fusarium spreads rapidly by
water flow, rain splash and by movement of infected soil or plant material,
especially seeds.
Management
• Use certified seeds
• Seed treatment with fungicides such as benomyl (e.g. Benlate at 100-
200g/ acre) or carbendazim (e.g. Bavistin at 150-250cc/ acre)
• Reduce the nitrogen fertilizers dose to 112 lb/Acre to reduce the disease
• Apply Trichoderma viride to the soil twice per crop season. Apply for the
first time at land preparation and the second time at planting.
• Collect and burn any infected plants
• Maintain the pH level of the soil
• Do not apply any chemical fungicide at the time of harvesting, or when
applying Trichoderma as the chemical will affect this beneficial fungus
Scientific name(s) > Fusarium oxysporum
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to: Myanmar [Burma]
Authors: Cho Nwe Wint
District Plant Protection Office, Department of Agriculture
email: tharheinhtut@gmail.com
Edited by Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
MM006En
Lose Less, Feed More
Chili plant infected with Fusarium
wilt. (Photo by A.A. Seif & B.
Nyambo, icipe)
Chili field infected with Fusarium
wilt. Note gaps due to death of
plants. (Photo by A. A. Seif & B.
Nyambo, icipe)
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.
