Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that resides in the soil where it attacks the plant’s roots before spreading throughout the vascular system.  Many vegetable plants such as okra are susceptible to this destructive disease, but especially tomato and potato plants.

Verticillium Wilt Symptoms

This soil-borne fungus can be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to that of other plant diseases.  Since the wilt begins in the roots and moves upwards, you’ll first see signs of distress at the lower portion of the plant.  Later, as the disease moves upwards, the leaves may wilt along the margins before turning yellow.  The diseased portion will often be in a v-shape.  Eventually, the leaves will brown and fall off.

What to Do if Your Plant is Infected

Interestingly, only a portion of a leaf or the plant may be affected while the rest looks healthy.  But don’t be fooled.  Once a plant has the disease, it cannot be cured, and it is best to pull the plant and throw it away.  Do not compost the plant as the fungus could infect your compost pile.

Do not replant in infected soil as the problem will reoccur.  It’s possible, however, to kill the soil-borne fungi using soil solarization, which heats up the first several inches of the soil to temperatures high enough to kill the fungus.  Gardening Know How explains: 

Prepare the soil by tilling or digging and then wetting it down. Cover the area with a clear plastic tarp and bury the edges under a few inches of soil to hold it in place and keep the heat in. It takes three to five weeks of bright sunlight and warm temperatures for the soil to heat up enough to kill the fungus.[1]

If your plant contracts Verticillium wilt, don’t be discouraged.  Do your best to prevent disease and minimize loss, but realize that losing plants is just a part of gardening.

See also: Fusarium wilt, also known as damping off

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[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/verticillium-wilt-treatment.htm