Fusarium Species Associated with Diseases of Major Tropical Fruit Crops

Abstract

Mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, and avocado are categorized as major tropical fruits grown for local consumption, export, and sources of income to the growers. These fruit crops are susceptible to infection by Fusarium in the field, and after harvest, it causes root rot, vascular wilt, stem rot, and fruit rot. Among the most common and economically important Fusarium species associated with diseases of major fruit are F. oxysporum and F. solani, which are prevalent in tropical regions. Other species include F. incarnatum, F. proliferatum, and F. verticilliodes. Most of these species have a wide host range and infect different parts of the plant. Due to the economic importance of these fruit crops, this review highlights the diseases and Fusarium species that infect fruit crops in the field as well as after harvest. Updated information on Fusarium species infecting major tropical fruit crops is important as disease management in the field and after harvest often relies on the causal pathogens. Moreover, major fruit crops are traded worldwide, and newly recorded species associated with these fruit crops are important for biosecurity purposes. Information on the diseases and causal pathogens may help to facilitate routine diagnosis and planning of suitable plant disease management methods.