Asparagus diseases A lecture on ToT training of FFS By Mr Allah Dad Khan Provincial Coordinator IPM KPK MINFAL Islamabad

2. Asparagus diseases
A
Lecture To ToT trainees (
FFS)
By
Mr. Allah Dad Khan
Provincial Coordinator IPM
KPK
MINFAL Pakistan

4. Fusarium wilt
Fusarium oxysporum
Symptoms
•
• Weak, spindly spears; red/brown
discoloration
• Cause
• Fungus
• Comments
• Very little can be done to prevent spread
once fungus is introduced; plant resistant
varieties and use clean seed
• Management
• Plant only disease free seed; minimize stress
to plants by following good fertilization and
watering practices; plant tolerant varieties;
stop harvest when productivity falls below
70%

5. Phytophthora crown and spear rot
Phytophthora spp.
• Soft, watery lesions on stem near soil; brown lesions
• Cause
• Oomycete
• Comments
• Wet growing season promotes Phytophthora infection;
plant in well-draining soil
• Management
• Plant disease free transplants in Phytophthora free soil;
avoid over-watering plants; may be necessary to treat
soil with fungicide
• Symptoms

6. Asparagus rust
Puccinia asparagi
• Symptoms
• Orange pustules on spears and
ferns; yellowing ferns and dieback
• Cause
• Fungus
• Comments
• Prevalent in areas of high humidity;
refrain from over and under
watering
• Management
• Manage irrigation and ensure
plants are not under or over-
watered; cut and destroy diseased
ferns; dust plants in sulphur

7. Fern spot (Stemphylium sp.)
• produces small purple spots on the stems,
which enlarge to light-brown lesions with
purple margins. Sections of the stem may die.
Good crop hygiene and the application of a
registered fungicide will help manage fern
spot.
• Symptoms

8. Fusarium crown and root rot
• produces a reddish-brown discolouration of
the internal tissues at the base of the stems
and within the crown, eventually causing
breakdown and death. Planting on well-
drained soils is the best way to reduce
problems caused by this disease.