Verticillium dahliae, Verticillium albo-atrum
Soilborne fungal disease similar to Fusarium wilt but favors cooler conditions. Affects hundreds of plant species.
Yellowing and wilting of lower leaves, often V-shaped pattern. Symptoms may appear on one side of plant. Brown streaking in vascular tissue.
Soilborne fungus that infects through roots. Produces microsclerotia that persist in soil for years.
Contaminated soil, infected transplants, tools. Microsclerotia survive in soil 10+ years. Spread by soil movement.
Cool to moderate soil temperatures (70-75°F), moist soil, presence of susceptible crops.
Plant resistant varieties (look for 'V' designation). Long crop rotations. Avoid planting after susceptible crops. Control weeds that may harbor pathogen.