Natural Control of Fusarium Wilt

Grow Resistant Plant Varieities

• Resistant plant varieties, especially of tomatoes, are labeled "VFN" for verticillium, fusarium nematode resistance. These plants are resistant to the fungus in the soil that attacks vascular systems and interferes with water intake, weakening and killing plants. They are also resistant to another common disease, verticillium. Hybrids and new varieties are commonly resistant, and heirloom and older varieties are more susceptible.

Practice Good Garden Hygiene

• Remove affected growth and discard instead of composting it. Sterilize clippers, cultivators, trowels, spades and all tools used in the area where there are affected plants. Use a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water and dip all cutting tools between each cut. Remove all weeds, as many of them are susceptible to fusarium wilt and host the disease. Space plants far enough apart so that there is good air circulation between them and foliage stays dry.

Solarize the Soil

• If you have a very serious and persistent problem with fusarium wilt, consider solarizing the soil. Purchase enough heavy duty plastic greenhouse sheeting to cover the affected area. Lay it out over the surface of the bare soil and anchor it with rocks or heavy landscape timbers. Keep the soil covered for up to six weeks during the hottest part of the year to sterilize the soil of fusarium wilt fungus spores. Solarization rids the soil of other pests as well, including fungus, harmful insects such as cutworms and weed seeds.

Rotate Crops

• Rotate crops in your garden, being careful not to plant tomatoes in the same place each year. Solarize a section of the garden each year as part of rotation. Consider planting tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in containers one year instead of in the garden. If possible, relocate the entire garden to a new spot and practice good garden hygiene with generous plant spacing .