Fusarium wilt: A comprehensive review of the biology, ecology, and management of the causal agent

Fusarium wilt, primarily caused by Fusarium oxysporum and its diverse formae speciales, is a globally impactful plant disease that results in significant agricultural loss. This soil-borne pathogen infects roots, colonizes xylem vessels, and impedes water transport, leading to characteristic wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis. The disease cycle is perpetuated by long-lived chlamydospores in the soil, with systemic spread via microconidia within the plant vascular system. Disease severity and geographical distribution are intricately linked to pathogen virulence, host susceptibility, and environmental factors. Accurate identification relies on a combination of morphological, biochemical (enzyme and mycotoxin production), and advanced molecular techniques (multilocus sequencing and genomics). Management strategies, including sanitation, resistant cultivars, cultural practices (intercropping, grafting), and chemical controls, increasingly emphasize sustainable biological control agents. This review gives a critical analysis of Fusarium wilt disease and its implications for loss of yield and quality in agriculture, and sustainable management of this disease.