Berlanger, I. and M.L. Powelson. 2000. Verticillium wilt. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-PHI-I-2000-0801-01
Updated, 2005.

DISEASE:  Verticillium wilt

PATHOGENS:  Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo-atrum

Note: Several species of Verticillium cause symptoms of Verticillium wilt, but Verticillium dahliae and V. albo-atrum cause economic losses in crops in temperate regions of the world and hence are the most studied species. The disease cycle of both species is similar in most aspects except that V. dahliae produces microsclerotia and V. albo-atrum produces melanized mycelia for survival between crops. Therefore, only V. dahliae is emphasized in this lesson.

HOSTS:  Over 400 plant species including herbaceous annuals (ex. –potato), perennials (ex. –peppermint), and woody species (ex. –maple). This list is expanding with the addition of new hosts succumbing to the pathogen.

Authors
Ingrid Berlanger, Oregon State University
Mary L. Powelson, Oregon State University

Verticillium spp. have a wide host range, including herbaceous annuals and perennials and woody perennials. Verticillium wilt is problematic in temperate areas of the world, especially in irrigated regions. The pathogens can persist in soil for many years in the absence of a susceptible crop. Infection is through the roots, and management of the disease is difficult.

Unilateral leaf necrosis and wilt in potato. (Courtesy I. Berlanger)