October 2016 Fusarium Wilt Conference in California

A 2016 Fusarium conference for researchers and industry was held in the Salinas area to advance the priority suggestions from the 2015 symposium. Breakout sessions focused on future research projects and field evaluation of resistant varieties and crop protection products. Attendees were able to tour the area's lettuce industry and research institutions. Meeting outcomes included a focus on short and long-term research goals such as annual field trials for germplasm and product evaluation; development of rapid soil, seed, and tissue diagnostic tests; understanding the impact of cultural management practices and soil health; and working toward genetic resistance to the disease. These are to be accomplished by teams put together to apply for targeted grant funding.