There is nothing that can be done for plants that have Verticillium or Fusarium wilts. Plants that die should be removed and destroyed. Crop rotation is of limited value as the vascular wilt fungi may survive in the soil for several years. The use of resistant varieties is the most practical way for home gardeners to prevent losses due to wilts. Resistant varieties may become infected but many plants survive and produce an acceptable crop.
Resistant varieties are available in seed catalogs and at garden centers.
The letters V and F following the variety name in seed catalogs or on seed packets denote varieties that are resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts. Wilt resistant tomato varieties that perform well in Iowa include Jetstar, Better Boy, Burpee VF, and Celebrity. The stalk borer is an insect pest that attacks a wide variety of plants including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, corn, hollyhocks, and dahlias. Affected plants wilt and often die. However, stalk borer damaged plants that are given good care may survive.