The Emergence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii Race 4 Causing Fusarium Wilt on Celery in South Florida

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) production in south Florida spans approximately 1,500 acres yearly. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii (Foa) race 4, emerged as a significant threat to celery production in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in Florida in 2022. Since it was first reported in the United States in Michigan in 1914, Foa has evolved into four different pathogenic races. In 2013, race 4 was first reported in California, ?and since then, it has been causing substantial losses to celery growers. The first occurrence in south Florida is critically alarming because (1) race 4 is the most virulent among the four races, (2) there is a lack of effective chemical and varietal control options for EAA Florida growers, and (3) this pathogen can survive in the soil for many years. This publication provides novel information to growers, Extension agents, and crop consultants of the celery industry in Florida regarding disease identification and management.