Verticillium wilt—Verticillium dahliae
Verticillium wilt becomes evident when lower leaves on the vine turn yellow and wither. Symptoms progress
upward until the entire plant yellows and wilts. Vascular tissue of stems becomes a light brown, which
is best observed near ground level. Some tubers from infected plants may develop a light brown discoloration
in the vascular ring near the stem end. Wilt causes early senescence of plants in heavily infested fields.
Life cycle
SolutionsVerticillium wilt is caused by a soilborne fungus. Avoid soil previously planted with tomatoes, peppers,
eggplant, or cucurbits. Rotate out of these susceptible crops and potatoes for 2 or 3 years. Legumes are
good rotation crops. Following good sanitation practices and using soil
solarization may help minimize
problems. Some varieties are more tolerant than others.
|
Yellow leaves of infected plant |
Wilt
in stem tissue |
Discolored
tuber |
|
