Verticillium wilt

Verticillium dahliae

Symptoms

• Discolouration of the vascular bundle (stem end)

Infection and spread

• Can survive in the soil for a long period as microsclerotia
• Verticillium has an extensive list of host plants
• The presence of potato cysts, root knot and other nematodes encourages an early heavy infestation
• Stress factors can increase infection: heat, drought, excess water and low nitrogen availability