Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum causes Fusarium wilt of watermelon, one of the oldest and most economically important diseases of watermelon. Dr. Dutta begins by reviewing symptoms and signs of disease, conditions that favor development, pathogen biology, and the disease cycle. He identifies three main sources of inoculum: seed, soil, and root and plant debris. Dr. Dutta goes on to describe the phases of infection and concludes by stating that identifying weak links in the disease cycle is critical in devising management strategies against this pathogen.
