Fusaric acid is a crucial factor in the disturbance of leaf water imbalance in Fusarium-infected banana plants

► Uncontrolled water loss in diseased plants was mainly resulted from membrane damage. ► Fusaric acid was detected in all tissues of diseased banana plants. ► The fusaric acid concentration in plant tissue was related with the disease index. ► Fusaric acid played a vital role in accelerating the development of disease.