First report of lisianthus wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. eustomae in Taiwan

Abstract

Lisianthus is one of the most important cut flowers in Taiwan for its export to Japan. In 2020, lisianthus plants showed root rot, stem rot, and wilt symptoms in Changhua County, Taiwan. Based on the morphological characteristics, pathogenicity assays, and phylogenetic analysis, the causal agent was identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. eustomae. Wounds on lisianthus stems were the entry points for the causal agent to establish infection. Isolates of the causal agent were separated into two distinct groups (Groups I and II) based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. This is the first report of F. oxysporum f. sp. eustomae causing lisianthus wilting in Taiwan.