Major Fusarium diseases on crops and their control management with soil solarisation in northwest Iran

Fusarium species are the most frequently soil-borne fungal pathogens on crops that make high economical damages in Iran. Studies showed that Fusarium species cause significant yield losses in main crops especially potato, pea, bean, wheat, corn and rice in northwest Iran. The diseases resulted in yield losses to the extent of 30% to 70% in the fields and made economical problems for growers. Infected plants were collected and cultured common medium (PDA) and selective media (PPA, CLA) for Fusarium species after surface sterilization. The dominant species were F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. graminearum, F. moniliforme, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, and F. equiseti in area studied. Soil solarisation method was carried at the summer season in three soil infested locations to assess the control management of the pathogens. Application of this method reduced population density of the pathogen from 1900 CFU -g/soil to 500 after 4 week. This proper method was simple, effective, non negative side and economic which can be used in nearly different farming areas at warm season.