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Submitted to: Digger
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2012 Publication Date: 2/1/2013 Citation: Weiland, G.E. 2013. An aversion to Verticillium. Digger. February 2013: 33-37. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Verticillium wilt is a one of the most serious diseases affecting field production of ornamental trees and shrubs. The disease is caused by the soilborne fungus, Verticillium dahliae. The pathogen is very common in agricultural fields and infects hundreds of economically important plant species including ornamental flowers, vegetables, fiber crops, crops for essential oils and flavorings, fruit crops, nut trees, and ornamental trees and shrubs among many others. Most knowledge about V. dahliae comes from the agricultural food and fiber crop industries for plant hosts such as potato, mint, strawberry, and cotton. Very little is known about how the pathogen affects woody plant species and, as a consequence, disease management options for nurseries are limited. Nevertheless, we do know some basic aspects of the pathogen’s biology that dictate which disease control measures will be effective. This article discusses important points about the V. dahliae life cycle, its host range, and includes a description of common verticillium wilt symptoms. The final section addresses disease management strategies that can help minimize the damage caused by this destructive pathogen. |
