Control of Basal Stem and Root Rot of Christmas and Easter Cacti Caused by Fusarium oxysporum. James K. Mitchell, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701. Plant Dis. 71:1018-1020. Accepted for publication 23 February 1987. Copyright 1987 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-71-1018.

Fusarium oxysporum was isolated from both Christmas and Easter cacti showing symptoms of basal stem and root rot. Fourteen cultivars of Christmas cactus and three of Easter cactus developed basal stem and root rot after inoculation with an isolate of F. oxysporum from Christmas cactus. Treatment of Christmas cactus cladode transplants with benomyl protected them from infection. No protection was offered by allowing cladodes to air-dry before transplanting.

Keyword(s): Cactaceae, chemical control, Rhipsalidopsis, Zygocactus.