Cornell University
Dr. M. Duaghtrey & M. Tobiasz
Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center
Riverhead, NY
Objective: Evaluate biological controls together with high pH and fungicide application,
for their ability to reduce cyclamen losses caused by Fusarium wilt disease (Fusarium oxysporum).
Method: Seedling plugs of cyclamen 'Sierra Scarlet' were transplanted into pots
containing Cornell peat-lite mix. Instead of the standard dolimitic lime, the mix was prepared
with 15 lbs dolomitic lime in order to raise the pH and make it more suppressive to the
disease. Each plant was then innoculated with cultured Fusarium oxysporum. Companion
Biological fungicide was applied beginning on 6/18 and reapplied every 14 days. Cleary's
3336 once per month. All other materials were applied only once. The Fusarium inoculum was
applied on 7/3. Disease symptoms appeared on 7/29. By close of experiment over half of the
inoculated, untreated plants were dead. Vascular discoloration was closely correlated with
the above-ground symptoms.
Results: The most effective treatment was the 14-day interval drench with Companion.
These results are very promising, because they suggest that biological materials may be as
effective as fungicides.
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