Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium dahliae persists in soil for 10+ years as microsclerotia. The fungus enters through roots and colonizes the xylem, blocking water transport. Symptoms include V-shaped yellowing on lower leaves and one-sided wilting. It thrives in cool soils (68–75°F). Resistant cultivars are marked with a "V" in their disease resistance code. There is no chemical cure; prevention relies on resistant varieties and crop rotation.