VIEW ARTICLE

Ecology and Epidemiology

Low-Temperature Interactions in Fusarium Wilt and Root Rot of Alfalfa. C. Richard, Research plant pathologist, Station de Recherches, Agriculture Canada, 2560, boul. Hochelaga, Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1V 2J3; C. Willemot(2), R. Michaud(3), M. Bernier-Cardou(4), and C. Gagnon(5). (2)(3)(4)(5)Research plant physiologist, research plant geneticist, statistician and research plant pathologist, Station de Recherches, Agriculture Canada, 2560, boul. Hochelaga, Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1V 2J3. Phytopathology 72:293-297. Accepted for publication 2 June 1981. Copyright 1982 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-72-293.

Interactions of low temperature and two Fusarium diseases of alfalfa were investigated. Fusarium root rot and Fusarium wilt reduced survival of alfalfa after the freeze test. The effect of Fusarium wilt was greater, raising the frost hardiness level (LT₅₀) from –10.5 to –14.5 C. Freezing the plants before inoculation enhanced the development of the disease and reduced survival and yield.