Verticillium dahliae: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:43, 9 February 2025

A soil-borne fungal pathogen affecting a wide range of plants

Verticillium dahliae is a fungus in the division Ascomycota, known for causing Verticillium wilt in a wide range of host plants. This soil-borne pathogen is notorious for its ability to persist in the soil for many years, making it a significant challenge for agriculture.

Description

Verticillium dahliae is characterized by its production of microsclerotia, which are small, dark, and resistant structures that allow the fungus to survive in the soil under adverse conditions. The fungus infects plants through the roots and colonizes the vascular system, leading to wilting and often plant death.

Host Range

Verticillium dahliae has a broad host range, affecting over 300 species of dicotyledonous plants. Some of the most economically important hosts include cotton, tomato, potato, and olive. The pathogen can cause significant yield losses in these crops, making it a major concern for farmers.

Symptoms

Infected plants typically exhibit symptoms such as wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis of leaves. The vascular tissues of affected plants often show discoloration, which is a diagnostic feature of Verticillium wilt. Symptoms can vary depending on the host species and environmental conditions.

Disease Cycle

The disease cycle of Verticillium dahliae begins with the germination of microsclerotia in the soil. The fungus penetrates the plant roots and spreads through the xylem vessels, disrupting water transport. As the plant dies, the fungus produces more microsclerotia, which are released back into the soil, completing the cycle.

Management

Managing Verticillium dahliae is challenging due to its persistence in the soil. Strategies include crop rotation with non-host plants, use of resistant plant varieties, and soil fumigation. Biological control methods and cultural practices, such as improving soil health, can also help reduce the impact of the disease.

Related pages

References

Pegg, G. F., & Brady, B. L. (2002). Verticillium Wilts. CABI Publishing.
Fradin, E. F., & Thomma, B. P. (2006). Physiological and molecular aspects of Verticillium wilt diseases caused by V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum. Molecular Plant Pathology, 7(2), 71-86.

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-'''Verticillium dahliae''' is a soil-borne [[fungus]] that can cause a disease known as [[Verticillium wilt]] in a wide range of [[plant]] species. This fungus is a member of the [[Verticillium]] genus, which includes several other plant pathogens.
+{{Short description|A soil-borne fungal pathogen affecting a wide range of plants}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Verticillium dahliae
+| image = Verticillium_dahliae.jpg
+| image_caption = Verticillium dahliae on a plant
+| regnum = Fungi
+| divisio = Ascomycota
+| classis = Sordariomycetes
+| ordo = Hypocreales
+| familia = Plectosphaerellaceae
+| genus = Verticillium
+| species = V. dahliae
+| binomial = ''Verticillium dahliae''
+| binomial_authority = Kleb.
+}}
-== Life Cycle ==
+'''Verticillium dahliae''' is a [[fungus]] in the division [[Ascomycota]], known for causing [[Verticillium wilt]] in a wide range of host plants. This soil-borne pathogen is notorious for its ability to persist in the soil for many years, making it a significant challenge for [[agriculture]].
-The life cycle of ''Verticillium dahliae'' begins when it enters the plant through the roots. It then colonizes the [[xylem]] tissue, which is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. The fungus produces [[spore]]s that can be transported through the xylem to other parts of the plant, causing widespread infection.
+==Description==
+''Verticillium dahliae'' is characterized by its production of [[microsclerotia]], which are small, dark, and resistant structures that allow the fungus to survive in the soil under adverse conditions. The fungus infects plants through the roots and colonizes the vascular system, leading to wilting and often plant death.
-When the infected plant dies, ''Verticillium dahliae'' can return to the soil and survive as [[microsclerotia]], a type of dormant structure that can persist in the soil for many years. These microsclerotia can germinate and infect new plants when conditions are favorable.
+==Host Range==
+''Verticillium dahliae'' has a broad host range, affecting over 300 species of [[dicotyledonous]] plants. Some of the most economically important hosts include [[cotton]], [[tomato]], [[potato]], and [[olive]]. The pathogen can cause significant yield losses in these crops, making it a major concern for farmers.
-== Symptoms and Management ==
+==Symptoms==
+Infected plants typically exhibit symptoms such as wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis of leaves. The vascular tissues of affected plants often show discoloration, which is a diagnostic feature of Verticillium wilt. Symptoms can vary depending on the host species and environmental conditions.
-Symptoms of ''Verticillium dahliae'' infection can vary depending on the plant species, but often include wilting, yellowing or browning of leaves, stunted growth, and premature death.
+==Disease Cycle==
+The disease cycle of ''Verticillium dahliae'' begins with the germination of microsclerotia in the soil. The fungus penetrates the plant roots and spreads through the xylem vessels, disrupting water transport. As the plant dies, the fungus produces more microsclerotia, which are released back into the soil, completing the cycle.
-Management of ''Verticillium dahliae'' can be challenging due to its ability to survive in the soil for long periods. Strategies include the use of resistant plant varieties, crop rotation, and soil fumigation. However, these methods are not always effective, and research is ongoing to develop new strategies for controlling this pathogen.
+==Management==
+Managing ''Verticillium dahliae'' is challenging due to its persistence in the soil. Strategies include crop rotation with non-host plants, use of resistant plant varieties, and soil fumigation. Biological control methods and cultural practices, such as improving soil health, can also help reduce the impact of the disease.
-== Economic Impact ==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Verticillium wilt]]
+* [[Plant pathology]]
+* [[Fungal plant pathogens]]
-''Verticillium dahliae'' can cause significant economic losses in agriculture, particularly in crops such as [[potato]], [[tomato]], [[eggplant]], and [[strawberry]]. It can also affect ornamental plants and trees, impacting the nursery and landscape industries.
+==References==
+* Pegg, G. F., & Brady, B. L. (2002). ''Verticillium Wilts''. CABI Publishing.
+* Fradin, E. F., & Thomma, B. P. (2006). ''Physiological and molecular aspects of Verticillium wilt diseases caused by V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum''. Molecular Plant Pathology, 7(2), 71-86.
-== Research ==
+[[Category:Fungal plant pathogens and diseases]]
+[[Category:Hypocreales]]
-Research on ''Verticillium dahliae'' is focused on understanding its biology and ecology, developing effective management strategies, and breeding resistant plant varieties. This research is critical for reducing the impact of this pathogen on agriculture and horticulture.
+[[Category:Soil biology]]
-[[Category:Fungi]]
-[[Category:Plant pathogens and diseases]]
-{{Fungi-stub}}
-{{Plant-pathogen-stub}}