Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium wilt Common name Verticillium wilt Causal agent Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease caused by six members of the genus Verticillium. It enters the plant through the roots and damages the xylem tissues of the plant, resulting in wilting. Scientific name Verticillium dahliae Verticillium albo-atrum Verticillium longisporum Verticillium nubilum Verticillium theobromae Verticillium tricorpus Symptoms & Signs Due to damage to the water-conducting tissues of the plant, the leaves wither, and the plant wilts. Lower, older leaves are more prone to chlorosis and wilting; however, plants can also recover during periods of heavy rainfall. Another characteristic feature of verticillium wilt is the presence of brown or black marks under the bark. Depending on the severity of the damage to the xylem, plants may also show branch dieback, stunting, and deformation of fruits. Transmission Verticillium wilt mainly spreads via spores produced by the fruiting body called microsclerotia. The spores travel by wind, water, or soil movement by infected tools to other healthy plants. The pathogen usually enters through the roots and blocks the xylem tissues. Time of concern Throughout the year Common hosts Chrysanthemum Carnation Potato Tomato Cotton Acer