How to Manage Pests

Verticillium wilt—Verticillium albo-atrum

Verticillium wilt often starts as a yellowing between the major veins of the leaves. The fungus moves throughout the plant and eventually whole leaves and stems wither and die.

Solutions

Verticillium wilt can sometimes be minimized by removing all residue, including roots that may be susceptible, and using soil solarization before you plant. The Verticillium fungus has a wide host range, including tomatoes, cucurbits, strawberries, caneberries, and stone fruit. Keeping these susceptible crops out of garden areas for 3 to 5 years can reduce Verticillium to levels where a crop can be profitably grown for 1 or 2 years. Corn, other grains, carrots, lettuce, beans, and peas are some crops that could be used. No resistant varieties are available.

Avocado tree affected by Verticillium wilt