How to Treat Fusarium Oxysporum in Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a tender perennial herb used as a flavoring and ingredient in cuisines around the globe. As with many herbaceous plants, basil is susceptible to the fungal disease Fusarium Oxysporum, commonly referred to as Fusarium wilt. The pathogen is borne in the soil and remains there for up to seven years after the infected plants are removed. The fungus can be deadly to maturing basil plants. The fungus attacks the xylem tissues in the herb that transport moisture from the roots to the stems and leaves. Affected plants will show signs of the pathogen when they reach roughly 6 inches in height and will rapidly decline. No chemical treatments are available, so treatment activities are limited but must be strictly followed to prevent perpetuating the disease.

Instructions

- 1
  Pull up and destroy any basil plants you suspect of being infected with Fusarium as leaving the plants is place will only perpetuate the disease life cycle in the soil.
- 2
  Pull and destroy all weeds from the area around the infected soil as some weed species can hold the fungi and exacerbate or perpetuate the infection.
- 3
  Plant Fusarium-resistant varieties of basil if you are trying to grow the herb in the same soil location. Plant basil seeds of the Nufar, Aroma 1 or Aroma 2 varieties as these are known to be fragrant but still resistant to the disease.
- 4
  Refrain from planting any Fusarium-susceptible plants -- such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant or peppers -- in the infected soil for roughly 7 years as they will fall prey to the same fate.
- 5
  Relocate your new non-Fusarium resistant varieties of basil plants to another location on your property well away from the area with soil you now know to be infected with Fusarium.

Will Salt Kill Shrubs If Poured Around the Base?

How Can I Get Rid of Whatever Is Eating My Basil?

Growing Herbs