Notes on basal rot of narcissus

Inoculations in situ of roots of narcissus plants with cultures of Fusarium bulbigenum in early summer gave positive results, as shown by the presence of rotted bulbs at the time of lifting or by subsequent rotting of bulbs in storage. These results were obtained only if the soil was wet at and after the date of inoculation. Cool weather delayed infection. Bulbs planted in the autumn in soil artificially or naturally contaminated with F. bulbigenum gave a complete stand in spring but later showed considerable losses from basal rot.