As the season progresses, it is important to monitor for suspected symptoms. To help with prompt disease diagnosis, free testing for lettuce Fusarium wilt is available at the University of Warwick.
Growers should first check for possible Fusarium infection by cutting a few plants with suspect symptoms from top to bottom and looking for vascular browning. If this symptom is confirmed, then it is recommended that a sample is sent promptly for diagnosis of Fusarium wilt at the University of Warwick. Researchers will provide a response to individual growers with results of Fusarium species and race found, but are unable to provide related agronomic advice.
Anonymised results, if positive, will also be used to alert industry via AHDB to new disease outbreaks by county. Free Fusarium testing can also be arranged via your seed representative.
Sampling details:
- Collect 10-20 intact lettuce plants (including the stem base and some root material) from different positions within the affected crop area.
- The intact plant samples should be individually bagged and placed within a cardboard box.
- Include details of lettuce variety, date of planting and percentage of crop affected.
- Grower contact details, business and crop location should also be included but will remain anonymised except for the county of sample origin.
Samples can be posted for attention of: Andrew Taylor / Alison Jackson, Warwick Crop Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne Campus, Wellesbourne, Warwick. CV35 9EF
For more information: