Alternative Control Methods for Verticillium wilt: A Literature Review

Verticillium wilt (V.albo-atrum and V.dahiae) is a soil-borne fungus that is causing economic losses and lower yields for farmers across the country. The disease has a wide host range and can live in the soil without a host for a decade or more. Finding effective and reasonable control methods has been difficult for some industries. Some methods such as sanitation, chemical application and crop rotation have not been completely effective at suppressing or eliminating the disease. Alternative control methods have been researched and tested, with some completely eliminating the disease, but these methods have to be continuously implemented and monitored in order for them to be effective. This literature review investigated the availability of scientific research on effective alternative control methods for Verticillium wilt. Potential effective alternative control methods were identified, including anaerobic soil disinfection, soil solarization, broccoli incorporation, mustard incorporation, compost and green manure. Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps related to successful implementation of these controls in suppressing or eliminating Verticillium wilt.