Articles
STUDIES ON FUSARIUM WILT RESISTANCE IN CARNATION
Pallas, one of the most resistant, becomes susceptible after contamination of the rooted cuttings by dipping in a dilute suspension of microconidia (20 000/ml) whereas it resists to a natural inoculum concentration higher than 20 000 propagules/g in dry soil.
The resistance levels also varies with decreasing the light intensity : Pallas becomes susceptible, Champagne remains resistant.
As a result of screening on artificially infested soils, 26 varieties were compared in glasshouses in which Carnation cultivation was no longer economically feasable.
Only six proved as resistant as Pallas : Duca, Elsy, Sarah, Clair Avril, Diano, Lanathena, Lanakino.
We found an average tolerance in several of them similar to Sacha : Londesty, Valero, Londernal, Sarinah, Praline, Etna, Teddy.
A large variation in the degree of wilting was observed probably due to the heterogeneity of the inoculum.
A special experimental arrangements would be necessary to increase the effectiveness of the resistant tests done in practical conditions.
