A  Protocol for the Complete Inhibition of Fusarium spp. and Recovery of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) from Fusarium Wilt

Abstract Fusarium species are among the most important phytopathogenic and toxigenic fungi. Despite numerous chemical and biological strategies developed to manage Fusarium infections, complete eradication of this pathogen remains unattainable. Moreover, Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), one of the most important perennial legume crops worldwide, suffers from root rot, which causes significant annual losses to the agricultural sector. In this study, to eliminate Fusarium from a deep water hydroponic system, alfalfa plants were exposed to microbial pollution generated by Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium acuminatum. Plants were affected by Fusarium wilt, root rot, and leaf wilt. Among the different treatments tested, H₂O₂ (9, 13.9, and 22.5 ml per 17 L), thiophanate-methyl (0.5 gL − 1), eucalyptus extract (3 and 6 ml per liter), and sodium hypochlorite, only sodium hypochlorite was able to completely inhibit Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium acuminatum. The important protocol established in this study can be used to recover alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants from Fusarium wilt in deep water culture hydroponic systems.