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Vector Relations

Association of the Asparagus Miner with Stem Rot Caused in Asparagus by Fusarium species. R. L. Gilbertson, Former graduate research assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, Present address of senior author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706; W. J. Manning(2), and D. N. Ferro(3). (2)Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003; (3)Associate professor, Department of Entomology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003. Phytopathology 75:1188-1191. Accepted for publication 30 May 1985. Copyright 1985 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-75-1188.

The relationship between the asparagus stem rot pathogens Fusarium moniliforme and F. oxysporum f. sp. asparagi and the asparagus miner (Ophiomyia simplex) was investigated. Feeding by larvae of O. simplex resulted in extensive stem mining of asparagus, leading to increased stem rot, primarily caused by F. moniliforme. Inoculum of F. moniliforme increased dramatically when the fungus sporulated on dead and dying epidermal and cortical tissues damaged by larval feeding. Fusaria were associated with all life stages of O. simplex. Successful management of Fusarium stem rot of asparagus must also include management of O. simplex.