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Verticillium wilt (Verticillium spp.) and Fusarium wilt (Fusarium spp.) are caused by common soilborne fungi that do not readily produce airborne spores. Entire plants may wilt, or wilt may be confined to only one side of the plant; leaves become chlorotic (yellow). Cutting through infected stems reveals a brown discoloration of the vascular tissue (xylem). Fusarium wilt is favored by warm temperatures, while cooler conditions favor Verticillium wilt. These fungi persist in soils from year to year and some species may infect multiple plant species.

Fusarium wilt on tomato plants.

(Photo: Ed Sikora, Auburn University, Bugwood.org)

Fusarium wilt vascular discoloration.

(Photo: USDA Cooperative Extension slide series, Clemson, Bugwood.org)

Management:

• Select resistant cultivars when growing plants in infested soils.
• Rotate to a nonhost crop.
• Consider fumigation or solarization. 

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