Verticillium wilt
Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease caused by Verticillium dahliae. It affects a wide range of plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of leaves and branches. Infected plants often show symptoms on one side first, with leaves turning yellow and wilting before dying.
About this problem
Verticillium wilt is caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, which infects a wide range of host plants. The fungus enters through the roots and spreads through the plant's vascular system, blocking water and nutrient transport. This results in wilting and yellowing of leaves, often starting on one side of the plant. Over time, the disease can lead to stunted growth and branch dieback. It is often confused with Fusarium wilt, another vascular wilt disease, but can be differentiated by laboratory testing. Verticillium wilt is more prevalent in cooler soils and can persist in the soil for many years, making management challenging.
Symptoms
- Wilting of leaves and branches
- Yellowing of leaves
- Leaf drop
- Stunted growth
- Branch dieback
- One-sided symptoms on plants
Cause
Verticillium dahliae is the pathogen responsible for Verticillium wilt. It thrives in soil and infects plants through the roots, spreading through the vascular system and causing blockages that lead to wilting and yellowing.
Conditions that favour it
- Cool soil temperatures
- Poorly drained soils
- Presence of susceptible host plants
- Previous history of the disease in the area
Lifecycle and spread
Verticillium dahliae survives in the soil as microsclerotia, which can persist for many years. The fungus infects plants through the roots and spreads systemically. It is difficult to eradicate once established, and crop rotation with non-host plants can help break the cycle.
Plants most affected
- Tomato
- Potato
- Pepper
- Eggplant
- Strawberry
- Maple
- Elm
- Cotton
- Raspberry
- Sunflower
- Cucumber
- Melon
Treatment
Educational information only, and not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Identify the problem before treating it, and check that any product is registered for this plant and this use where you live.
Cultural control
- Rotate crops with non-host plants
- Improve soil drainage
- Remove and destroy infected plant debris
- Avoid planting susceptible plants in infested areas
Organic options
- Use of beneficial soil microbes
- Application of compost to improve soil health
- Solarization of soil to reduce pathogen load
Chemical options
- Fungicide For soil treatment to reduce pathogen levels
Read and follow the product label. The label is the legally binding instruction. Confirm the product is registered for this plant and for this use in your area before applying it.
Prevention
- Use resistant plant varieties
- Maintain good soil health
- Avoid overwatering
- Sanitize tools and equipment
- Monitor plants regularly for symptoms