Stub Inoculations Do Not Incite Fusarium Wilt of Chrysanthemum Caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. chrysanthemi. N. L. Fisher, Research Assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802. T. A. Toussoun, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802. Plant Dis. 67:532-533. Accepted for publication 12 October 1982. Copyright 1983 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-532.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. chrysanthemi normally penetrates roots and root hairs, aided by wounding. Inoculations of two chrysanthemum cultivars susceptible to Fusarium wilt were made at aerial stem stub sites but did not initiate the disease. This supports the hypothesis that the Fusarium wilt fungus cannot be spread by workers taking cuttings or pinching plants.