Although many industry people have been focused over the past several years on wilt caused by Fusarium, Verticillium wilt continues to be a soil disease issue in strawberry.  While there are certain aspects of strawberry Verticillium wilt, for example a frequent lack of crown discoloration of infected plants, that distinguish it from diseases caused by Fusarium, Macrophomina, and Phytophthora, accurate diagnosis still requires proper laboratory testing.

Based on recent studies, this Verticillium wilt pathogen (Verticillium dahliae) found in coastal California may be increasing in diversity, with recent findings of races 2 and 3 in the region. New races of Verticillium may be a concern for any crop that is susceptible to this pathogen, including strawberry, lettuce, tomato, artichoke, and pepper.

Compared to race 1, it is possible that novel races could be more aggressive on a particular crop. In addition, any cultivars that are resistant or tolerant to race 1 could be susceptible to other races. Such concerns justify an examination of the race situation for coastal California.

Using methods developed by UC Davis researchers, TriCal Diagnostics is applying molecular techniques to identify Verticillium races recovered from diseased plants. We welcome the participation from strawberry and other coastal growers. If general diagnostics are requested (checking for Verticillium, Fusarium, Macrophomina, etc.), we charge the standard fee for this initial analysis. If Verticillium is confirmed, then the race identification will be attempted; there is no additional charge for the race ID testing.

As is always the case with TriCal Diagnostics, all lab results are confidential and shared only with the sample submitter.

Contact Steve Koike for additional information and sample submission guidelines.

Steve Koike

408-612-6729

skoike@trical.com