A review of Fusarium oxysporum on its plant interaction and industrial use

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum is the causative agent of fusarium wilt which has proved to be the most destructive disease affecting a wide range of plants comprising of weeds and commercially domesticated plants and crops. The disease results in varied symptoms ranging yellowing of leaves, browning of vascular tissues, retarded growth and even plant death. Due to its soilborne nature and perennial nature of its hosts fusarium management has been a challenge. Breeding of resistant varieties is the only way that has shown some positive results in reducing the pathogen spread and increasing crop yields. Maintenance of the field hygiene is also advocated in the management of Fusarium oxysporum. Along the breeding of resistant varieties, a suitable integrated pest management should be researched on to reduce these heavy losses as a result of fusarium wilt. Despite of the negative impact of Fusarium in the field crops, the fungi can be beneficial in the food and alcoholic industries as it can produce enzymes such as pectinase and cellulase.