Fusarium sp.

Genus/species (aliases): Fusarium sp.

Classification: Ascomycete

Morphology:

  • Cell: Dependent on species
  • Colony: Dependent on species
  • Spore: In F. oxysporum, there are three types of spores: microconidia, macroconidia, and chlamydospores
  • Zygote: Asexual
  • Ascus:
  • Liquid Growth:

 

Ecological Traits:

Found in many different agricultural sites, notably vineyards. Also found in the bark of cork oaks.

Distinguishing Features:

Filamentous, other features depend on species

Role in wine:

Fusarium species can be found on the surface of grapes; no role in winemaking.

Fusarium oxysporum is known as fusarium wilt.

Fusarium oxysporum has also been shown to be a high producer of 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole.

Sensitivities: 

  • SO2: Sensitive
  • Sorbate­­­­­
  • DMDC
  • pH
  • Acid
  • Ethanol
  • Anaerobiosis: intolerant
  • Heat: Sensitive

References:

  • Álvarez-Rodríguez, M.L., L. López-Ocaña, J.M. López-Coronado, E. Rodríguez, M.J. Martínez, G. Larriba, J.J.R. Coque. 2002. Cork Taint of Wines: Role of the Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Cork in the Formation of 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole by O Methylation of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68(12): 5860–5869.
  • Falks, S.P., R.C. Pearson, D.M. Gadoury, R.C. Seem, A. Sztejnberg. Fusarium proliferatum as a biocontrol agent against grape downy mildew. 1996. Phytopathology.
  • Omer, A.D., J. Granett, R.J. Wakeman. 1999. Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum on Different Vitis Rootstocks. J. Phytopathology. 147:433-436.