My Zucchini Plants Are Dying

Disease

• Zucchini is susceptible to the verticillium wilt disease caused by Verticillium dahlia. The disease is common to all cucurbits and damages the water conducting plant tissues. The fungus persists for several years in soil and fungal growth is favored by cooler weather.

Identification

• The disease is characterized by yellowing and wilting of foliage in the crown area; eventually the leaves dry up and die. The wilting continues and grows outwards towards the end of the stems. In cases of severe infection, the plant dies within a few weeks. Cross sectional cuts in roots show light brown discoloration.

Management

• Using disease resistant varieties is among the best management strategies. Avoid planting in areas with prior cases of the disease or in fields used for growing cotton. You can also use chloropicrin as a pre-planting soil fumigant, but this is not a very cost-effective option.