Gladiolus Corm Rot

Gladiolus corm rot Common name Gladiolus corm rot Fusarium rot Causal agent Gladiolus corm rot is a severe pathological disorder of gladiolus plants caused by a fungus belonging to the fusarium genus. It appears in three forms: vascular, brown-rot, and basal dry-rot. Scientific name Fusarium oxysporum f. gladioli. Symptoms & Signs Gladiolus corm rot is identified by black or brown corms along with yellowing of the leaves and destruction of the roots. The leaves may die and fall off the branches as well. The corms may be infected right after planting, before they are dug, or during storage. The corm flesh may be discolored, or lesions may appear near the base of the corm. Transmission High soil temperature and excessive nitrogen in the fertilizer can increase the risk of infection. The spores are usually transmitted through contaminated soil, water, or contact with infected plants. It spreads rapidly in temperatures of 75 to 90 degrees F (24-32 C.) Time of concern Early spring to late summer Common hosts Picardy species of gladiolus Spotlight species of gladiolus