Can infected plants recover from Verticillium wilt?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Treatment of Verticillium wilt-affected plants is determined primarily by the stage of infection and the type of host species involved. Early detection of infections will allow for aggressive pruning of affected branches. Removal of soil access from the affected hosts will remove some of the fungal load. I did this on the young maples I saved, but the older ones needed to be removed!
Pruning Strategy
- Sterilize shears in 1:9 bleach solution between cuts
- Remove branches with 6 inches of healthy wood
- Seal wounds with pruning paint to prevent reinfection
Soil Amendments
- Apply 2 inches of composted hardwood mulch
- Inject beneficial mycorrhizae around root zones
- Test soil pH monthly, maintain 6.3-6.8
Completely removing the advanced infections is required. In addition to removing the plant, grind stumps in place to avoid regrowth. The soil must be solarized for at least 8 weeks before replanting. For example, one of my clients experienced a rose garden bounce back after completely replacing contaminated soil with Verticillium-resistant rootstock. Whatever you remove must have strict sanitation measures.
Prevent transmission by disinfecting tools and shoes immediately following contact. Also, I recommend quarantining new plants for 30 days. I've tracked infections on pathways in gardens - one shovel infected a pathway and wilted 12 trees. Burn everything, and be aware that municipal composting does not often achieve sterilization temperatures.
Cultivars that show resistance will provide solutions that will last for a long time. 'Ruskin' tomato and 'Morton' maple show resistance under moderate fungal pressure. These resistant varieties can also be treated with biochar soil treatment to improve resistance. Observe the plants for signs of infection every week. Yellowing between the veins is an early sign of infection; do not let such plants wilt before taking action.
Read the full article: Verticillium Wilt Treatment: Complete Management Guide
