How to Identify and Control Verticillium Wilt
 

Article written by David Marks.

Westonbirt Arboretum Review
"If you are visiting Westonbirt Arboretum to see the National Collection of Maples then be aware that Westonbirt is really two separate areas. "..... click here to read the  complete article".

Woody plants such as acers and chrysanthemums will have brown marks on the wood immediately below their bark. Branches may die completely in parts of the plant.

VERTICILLIUM WILT DAMAGE IN GENERAL
This is a disease which is first spread in the soil. It enters the plant through damaged or weakened roots. Once the Verticillium Wilt fungus infects the roots of the plant it spreads upwards. The plant's natural defence system attempts to isolate the fungus but in the process it prevents water being passed around the plant internally. This causes parts of the plant to die.

TREATMENT OF VERTICILLIUM WILT
There is no treatment for Verticillium Wilt. Managing an infection is a matter of damage control because the disease can be passed to other plants. One common source of infection is the soles of your boots transferring infected soil from one part of the garden to another.

The plant or tree should be dug up with as many of the roots as possible and burnt completely. Be careful when transferring the plant and roots to the point of burning, do not allow any possibly infected soil to come into contact with any other soil or plant.

Unfortunately, the disease can remain in the soil for up to 15 years so do not plant any susceptible plants on the area for many, many years. Sometimes a new plant will appear to grow successfully for two or three years before it also shows signs of the disease. Don't waste your time cleansing the soil with Jeyes Fluid or similar preparations, they do not get rid of Verticillium Wilt in soil.

Ideally the area should be grassed over and left. However there some plants which have immunity to Verticillium Wilt and these should grow successfully on an infected site. Apple and pear trees both do well but not plum trees. Conifers are resistant and these come in a variety of forms and sizes. Other plants and trees to consider with excellent immunity include, beech, ginkgo, hawthorn, hornbeam, mountain ash, sycamore and walnuts.

ADD YOUR COMMENTS OR QUESTION BELOW ABOUT JAPANESE MAPLES. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO RESPOND HERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Your Email address:

Your Name:

Your Comments or Question:

japmap-garden-care

BACK TO JAPANESE MAPLE TREE PEST & DISEASES