Mimosa Wilt
caused by Fusarium oxysporium var. perniciosum

Mimosa wilt is the most devastating disease of mimosa. In many areas it has almost eliminated ornamental mimosas. The disease can be found from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas.

Identification:

Fruiting of the fungus is inconspicuous. Small pads of fungal tissue which bear spores are sometimes formed on dead twigs. Laboratory culturing and diagnosis are needed to identify the causal fungus.

Injury:

Symptoms include chlorotic and wilting foliage. Discoloration of the outer ring of sapwood usually occurs, and trees may die within 6 weeks after becoming infected.

Biology and History:

The organism survives in soil and enters through the tree roots. While the specific mode of action of this fungus is not known, the effect is to disrupt the upward movement of nutrients and water.