<i>Fusarium</i>Species Associated with Crown Rot of Alfalfa in Nevada

Abstract

The distribution, pathogenicity, and phytotoxicity of Fusarium species associated with crown rot of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was examined in 14 fields in the northern Nevada counties of Churchill, Pershing, and Lyon. The five species recovered, in descending order of frequency, were F. solani, F. acuminatum, F. oxysporum, F. sambucinum, and F. avenaceum. Only F. sambucinum and F. avenaceum were not isolated at all locations. Isolates of F. solani and F. acuminatum were the most pathogenic on 4-mo-old alfalfa, followed by F. sambucinum and F. oxysporum (.)