Fusarium wilt

Symptom

In tomato, this disease commonly occurs after flowering and during the early stages of fruit development. Initial symptoms may present as mild wilting on one side of the plant. Early signs include yellowing of the leaves starting from the lower nodes, gradually spreading to affect entire branches, which eventually wilt. Wilting symptoms are more pronounced during the hottest parts of the day and may temporarily subside during cooler periods, giving the appearance of recovery. However, as the disease progresses, the wilting becomes permanent and the plant fails to recover. When the lower stem is longitudinally cut open, the vascular tissues particularly the xylem appear discolored, turning brown instead of their normal color. This vascular discoloration indicates internal infection, often associated with vascular wilt diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens such as Fusarium or Verticillium species.