In modern forestry, where the primary focus is on reforestation and afforestation, one of the most challenging tasks is cultivating healthy and high-quality planting material. Currently, seedling production mainly occurs in protected environments (greenhouses).
Among the numerous problems in growing Scots pine seedlings is fusarium wilt – an infectious disease caused by various soil-borne fungi that live in the soil, on plant debris, or on the surface of sown seeds. The pathogen development is most commonly observed in areas previously used for prolonged agricultural activities.

The disease manifests through seed and sprout rot, seedling wilting, constriction near the root collar, and easy extraction of seedlings from soil (where lateral roots remain while only the main root pulls out). Additionally, rotting of seedling tops is often observed. Combating this infectious disease requires implementing a complex set of measures: preventive, sanitary, agrotechnical, and chemical.

To prevent and control fusarium wilt in Scots pine seedlings, the State Specialized Forest Protection Enterprise “Kharkivlisozakhyst” recommends following these key measures:

Conduct phytopathological examination of seeds before sowing
Perform pre-sowing seed disinfection
Avoid soil overmoistening
Apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers
Remove dead and diseased plants
For disease prevention and when fusarium is detected, use fungicides while considering that fungi quickly develop resistance – rotate fungicides after 2-3 applications