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Emergence of Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium avenaceum in wilt affected solanaceous crops of the Northern Himalayas

Summary

Researchers in Kashmir identified two fungal species, Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium avenaceum, causing wilt disease in important vegetable crops like tomatoes, brinjals, and chili peppers. These pathogens cause yellowing of leaves, wilting, and death of plants, resulting in significant crop losses. This is the first time these particular fungi have been confirmed as wilt pathogens in these vegetables in India. The study emphasizes the need for better management strategies to protect these crops from fungal infections.

Background

Solanaceous crops including tomato, brinjal, and chili are economically important but highly susceptible to fungal wilt diseases. In India, wilt disease has emerged as a severe threat with disease incidence ranging from 5 to 93% and yield losses between 45 and 60%. Multiple Fusarium species have been reported as pathogens in these crops in the Kashmir region.

Objective

To identify and characterize fungal pathogens responsible for wilt diseases in solanaceous crops (tomato, brinjal, and chili) in the Kashmir valley using morphological and molecular analyses including DNA barcoding of ITS, TEF, RPB1, and RPB2 genomic regions.

Results

Fusarium incarnatum was identified as the primary causal agent of wilt in tomato and brinjal, while Fusarium avenaceum was identified in chili. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed these identifications. Pathogenicity tests showed typical wilt symptoms with incubation periods of four weeks for F. incarnatum and six weeks for F. avenaceum. Sequences were successfully submitted to GenBank.

Conclusion

This study represents the first report of F. incarnatum and F. avenaceum as wilt pathogens in solanaceous crops in India. The findings demonstrate the expanding host range and evolving adaptability of these Fusarium species to diverse agricultural systems. Targeted disease management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate significant yield losses caused by Fusarium wilt in solanaceous vegetable production.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-87668-3, PMID: 39890856
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