Verticillium Wilt and Heirloom Tomatoes
by John Yazo
The soil borne fungus Verticilliurn albo-atrum is present in most cool soils of the Northeast and can attack over 200 plant species, especially tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, strawberries, and black raspberries.
Verticillium wilt is caused by the fungi Verticillium albo-atrum and Verticillium dahliae. These fungi live in the soil and attack plants with roots that are stressed. This fungi can attack more than three hundred woody and herbaceous plant species.
The symptoms that result when this disease attacks the plant may be confused with fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, root rots as well as drought and damage due to excessive soil moisture. This disease is more severe in cool to warm weather and is not as severe in hot weather.
The plants leaves may curl, wilt, yellow or turn red, dry out and defoliate, branch die back may also be noticed. This disease starts in the roots of a plant and then progresses upward. As the vascular system becomes plugged due to the release tyloses or gums, the symptoms begin to appear above ground.
Control can be done by growing plants adapted to the site or native plants. Avoid injury to the root system or collar of your plants. Keep plants growing vigorous. When plants are showing early symptoms, they should be watered and fertilized by using fertilizers that are lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium. Sterilize tools between pruning and remove infected plants.
Organic gardening methods of insect and disease control and a good healthy organic soil structure, full of the natural nutrients that your plants need to thrive will greatly benefit your crops.
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