Pepper, Eggplant: Verticillium wilt

Biology

Verticillium wilt is caused by a fungus commonly found in the soil. Many species of plants can be affected. Potato and tomato are favored hosts. Infected peppers and eggplants are stunted and have yellow leaves which tend to roll inward. Eggplants first show yellowing of the lower leaves in conjunction with stunting of plants and discoloration of the vascular system (noticeable when cuts are made into stems). Typically, the fungus attacks the roots and moves throughout the plant via the vascular system. Verticillium is also carried in infected eggplant seed.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Clean up plant debris and destroy or discard (do not compost) diseased materials.
• Crop rotation may be useful. Plant resistant species in infected soil. Vegetables reported to be resistant to Verticillium wilt include pea, lettuce, celery, asparagus, and bean. Contact your county Extension agent or WSU Master Gardeners for more information.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.

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