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Significance

Verticillium has a wide host range; over 200 dicotyledonous species, including herbaceous annuals and perennials and woody perennials are susceptible to this fungal pathogen. The disease, Verticillium wilt, is problematic in temperate areas of the world, especially in irrigated regions. There are no curative measures once a plant is infected. Planting pathogen-free stock into soil free of the pathogen is the best way to avoid the disease.

Potato

Verticillium wilt of potato occurs wherever potatoes as grown. It is most severe in irrigated fields, especially in hot climates. Yields of potatoes grown in Verticillium infested soils may be 30-50% lower than yields on noninfested land. In some varieties, the discoloration of the vascular tissue in tubers results in tuber quality reduction.

Peppermint

The peppermint industry was centered in the midwestern U.S. in the mid- to late-1800's. Peppermint acreage has increased in the western states since the 1930's, as Verticillium wilt intensified in the midwest. Oregon has claimed half the national acreage since the 1960's, but the spread of Verticillium through the originally planted regions of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho is now forcing more acreage into new areas of these same states and other western locations. The remaining midwest acreage is occasionally relocated to noninfested land. Peppermint is grown for the oil it yields. Oil yields and stand longevity are reduced as wilt intensifies in a field.

Maple

The quality of nursery commodities, such as maple and ash trees, and flowers, like chrysanthemum and dahlia, is decreased when infected with Verticillium. Infected plants undergo premature defoliation, may be stunted or short-lived, and are undesirable in home and public landscapes. Purchase of planting stock from infested nurseries may be restricted, thus decreasing its value.

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