Management of Fusarium crown and root rot of asparagus

• Asparagus suffers from a destructive disease called Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR).
• FCRR is caused by different species of Fusarium.
• Management must include strategies designed to manage inoculum, host and environment.
• Improving soil health and germplasm may provide the best management of FCRR.

Fusarium crown and root rot of asparagus occurs wherever asparagus is grown. The pathogens Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. asparagi, Fusarium proliferatum, F. redolens, and Fusarium solani are ubitquitous in soil and on seeds. The review is structured to focus on management strategies that affect the three components of the disease triangle: pathogen, host, and environment. An analysis of each strategy is discussed in regard to knowledge gaps and future direction.