  The mechanism of fusion hindrance, an effect observed in the reactions of
cold, warm and hot fusion leading to production of the superheavy elements, is
investigated. A systematics of transfermium production cross sections is used
to determine fusion probabilities. Mechanism of fusion hindrance is described
as a competition of fusion and quasi-fission. Available evaporation residue
cross sections in the superheavy region are reproduced satisfactorily. Analysis
of the measured capture cross sections is performed and a sudden disappearance
of the capture cross sections is observed at low fusion probabilities. A
dependence of the fusion hindrance on the asymmetry of the projectile-target
system is investigated using the available data. The most promising pathways
for further experiments are suggested.
