Verticillium wilt
DISEASE
When it's active · UK
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When it's active · Northern Italy
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When it's active · Central Italy
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When it's active · Southern Italy and islands
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How to recognise it
Sudden wilting and dieback of individual branches or one side of a plant, sometimes with dark staining visible in the wood when an affected stem is cut through.
Life cycle and conditions
A soil-borne fungus entering through the roots and blocking water-conducting tissue; often triggered or worsened by drought stress or root damage.
Prevention
Avoid unnecessary root disturbance and drought stress; avoid replanting the same or related species where an outbreak has occurred.
How to treat it
🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED
Cut out and dispose of affected wood promptly and reduce plant stress (consistent watering, avoiding root disturbance) — the main response available.
🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE
No chemical cure exists for verticillium wilt — management is entirely about removing affected material and reducing stress on the remaining plant.
PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
Acertrees and shrubs generally