Managing Fusarium wilt of Lettuce with Tolerant and Resistant Lettuce Cultivars

YCEDA in collaboration with Robert Masson, University of Arizona Yuma Cooperative Extension Assistant , will evaluate lettuce cultivars and breeding lines for resistance to Fusarium wilt of lettuce. 

Fusarium wilt of lettuce caused by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. oxysporum is severely impacting productivity and thus, the competitiveness of the Arizona lettuce industry. Since 2015, YCEDA has managed annual research projects evaluating commercial and pre-commercial lettuce cultivars for resistance to Fusarium wilt via trials in commercial fields. In 2019, evaluations of breeding lines were added. This project will continue to collect important data that will help lettuce growers make management decisions and help lettuce breeders develop more resistant varieties. Results will be widely disseminated to the Arizona lettuce industry to aid in disease management decisions through presentations at workshops and conferences and during the annual Fusarium wilt of lettuce field day.