Research on Fusarium wilt disease of guava

Wilting of guava trees has been regarded as national problem in India. Since, it is highly remunerative crop; disease is extremely important. The guava wilt was first reported in Taiwan during 1926 and in India during 1935. Several pathogenic fungi, nematodes and bacteria were found associated with the wilted trees of guava around the world; however, Fusarium spp. has been considered as major pathogen. Research on guava wilt carried out under network projects at ICAR-CISH revealed the cultural, morphological, molecular and pathogenic variability of Fusarium spp. across the India and its bio-management. Early age wilting of trees has mostly been observed due to complex of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Psidii, F. solani and Meloidogyne enterolobii. Enough research work on pathogenicity, cultural/morphological characters, molecular characterization, epidemiology and management of Fusarium spp. has been carried out but effect of interaction between Fusarium-Meloidogyne complex on expression of guava decline is yet to be thoroughly worked out. Complete guava crop management package should be developed, including healthy planting material production, proper care for nutrition, regular pruning and management of nematode fungus complex.