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Re: basil virus??

Harvi, Catharine et al
Further to:

> >>  The Boston Globe ran an article a couple of weeks ago saying
> >>  that this
> >>years basil is tainted with some sort of virus which causes the
> >>symptoms you describe.  
> 
> It's a true report. I grow 30+ basil varieties commercially, so have
> checked it out with a variety of sources. Richter's web site has a
> good write up on the problem (Fusarium) and recommends ONLY using
> seed that has been tested and certified free of the virus. I agree
> with their recommendation 100%. 
> 
> Catharine, Atlanta/zone 7b
> 
 
There is a lot of confusion out there about virus and fungus. It is 
important that gardeners understand the difference.

A virus is the sort of thing that causes a breakdown in the way a 
cell operates. In plants this may result in  distortion or 
discolouration of the plant or it's leaves and/or flowers and impede 
the function of the plant. A plant virus is often spread by aphis or 
by a propagators knife, in seed etc. Anything that transports plant 
matter from one plant to another can spread a virus. Control measures 
may include burning the infected plants and spraying with a 
*aphiside* and crop rotation.
 A fungus is entirely different. Symptoms are many and 
varied according to the fungus but generally result in the death or 
severe debilitation of the plant rather than the distortion that is 
typical of a virus. A fungus is spread by spores either by air or 
water or soil movement (on your boots). The spores then germinate and 
infect the plant. Control measures include crop rotation, spraying 
with the appropriate *fungicide* and the destroying of infected plant 
material. Fusarium Wilt is caused by a fungus which blocks the 
passage of water and nutrients up the stem of a plant. It is spread 
via the soil and is difficult to irradicate because it survives 
relatively deeply in the soil. I have no idea about the life of the 
basil fusarium that you mention but a long as possible crop rotation 
would seem prudent.

Sorry if this offends but this confusion sure need tidying up.

Could anyone add something here please? Are there more diseases, 
pests and the like causing grief to any of us?

Terry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terry@delphinium.co.nz
http://www.delphinium.co.nz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wish I was a glow worm
A glow worm's never glum
How can you be grumpy
When the sun shines out your bum




>
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