This wilt disease affects more than 350 flowering plants from the Eudicots clade. This is a wide clade characterized by two seed leaves upon germination. Not all Eudicots are susceptible to this issue, as some species are resistant. This kind of wilt is caused by 6 species of fungi from the Verticillium genus that invade plant hosts through the root, followed by blocking the internal movement of water, nutrients, and sap. These fungi are more proliferate in spring and have a significant economic impact since they affect a wide range of plants, from crops like potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers, to ornamental and wild plants.
Verticillium wilt
Signs of damage
Symptoms usually only start showing late in the growing season:
- Wilting and yellowing leaves. Leaves are the first to display signs of damage, starting with chlorosis.
- Dropping leaves.
- Discolored stems.
- Damaged fruit. Due to leaf loss, fruits become more vulnerable to sun damage.
- In trees, one large branch will begin to droop and brown, resulting in total death.
- Stunted growth.
- Death.
How to prevent
No fungicides control this disease, although soil fumigation with chloropicrin successfully reduces symptoms and incidence in several crops.
Practices like crop rotation and deep plowing are helpful since they help control the propagation of pathogens and accelerate the decomposition of infected debris. This fungus survives in the soil for a long time, so avoid growing the same species or related species in that space for at least 4 years at any sign of damage. If possible, choose resistant cultivars or similar species.
Proper care allows for plants’ resilience and optimal growing conditions, so pay particular attention to irrigation and fertilization.
Heal
Unfortunately, there are no treatments for this fungal disease. The best thing you can do is prune affected branches and dispose of too-damaged plants, except by decomposing them.
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