Cross-Pathogenicity of Fusarium moniliforme Isolates from Corn and Asparagus. J. P. Damicone, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003. P. D. Vineis, and W. J. Manning. Department of Plant Pathology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003. Plant Dis. 72:774-777. Accepted for publication 24 March 1988. Copyright 1988 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-72-0774.

Fusarium moniliforme was isolated from overwintered corn stalks and dormant asparagus crowns. Single-conidial isolates were assayed for pathogenicity and virulence on potted corn seedlings and gnotobiotically grown asparagus seedlings. Isolates differed in pathogenicity and virulence on both hosts. However, some were cross-pathogenic and virulent to both crops. One cross-pathogenic isolate from each host, FmA4 from asparagus and FmC7 from corn, were selected for further evaluation. FmA4 and FmC7 reduced field emergence of sweet and dent corn and greenhouse emergence of asparagus. FmA4 and FmC7 also incited stalk rot of sweet and dent corn in the field and stem and crown rot of asparagus seedlings in the greenhouse. Corn and asparagus can serve as sources of inoculum of F. moniliforme pathogenic to both crops.