Because the spores of this pathogen can travel long distances in surface water, it is important to maintain good drainage in strawberry beds. This also minimizes runoff and avoids soil compaction. Plant resistant cultivars and purchase stock that has been inspected and tested for P. fragariae . Its hosts are annual and perennial crops as well as weed species. Symptoms and Disease Cycle Strawberry plants are most susceptible in their first year of growth.
Initial symptoms appear rapidly in late spring, especially in periods of environmental stress.
The outer and older strawberry leaves wilt and dry, turning a reddish-yellow to dark brown at the margins and between the veins. The inner leaves remain green and turgid until the plant dies. This symptom helps distinguish Verticillium wilt from the root and crown diseases caused by Phytophthora species, in which both the young and mature leaves wilt. The disease intensity may depend on fertilization practices and the amounts of residual field inoculum left from previous crops. Plants with lush growth due to high nitrogen applications are more severely affected than plants receiving moderate amounts of nitrogen.