YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - In today's homegrown report, the University of Arizona is leading a collaborative effort to fight a devastating soil-borne fungus that is infecting lettuce fields in the region. 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. Researchers are now testing various chemical formulations to kill the fungus in the soil, while seed companies are trialing different lettuce varieties that may be resistant to the disease. The university is also organizing collaborative projects with the USDA, the University of Florida, Yuma Cooperative Extension, and the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture.