The University of Arizona is leading a collaborative effort to combat a devastating soil-borne fungus that is infecting lettuce fields in the region. According to Robert Masson, an agricultural extension agent for the University of Arizona, the fungus, known as lettuce Fusarium wilt, clogs the vascular structure of the plant, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the leaves. This causes the plant to wilt, appear water-deficient and eventually die, resulting in financial losses for farmers.

The research project began when a local farmer discovered the problem in their field and invited seed companies and the university to test different solutions. Researchers are now testing various chemical formulations to kill the fungus in the soil, while seed companies are trialing different let

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