Occurrence of leaf and stem rot caused by Fusarium foetens on begonia elatior hybrids (Begonia × hiemalis)

Abstract

Leaf and stem rot, vein yellowing, and wilting of begonia elatior hybrids (Begonia × hiemalis) were observed in Miyagi Prefecture in August 2005. A Fusarium species was isolated and caused the same symptoms after artificial inoculation. The fungus was identified as F. foetens, a casual agent of Fusarium wilt of begonia elatior hybrids in Europe and USA. This report is the first of the disease in Japan, and we propose the name “Kabugusare-byo” in Japanese.