Which plant disease affecting ornamentals causes wilting and can lead to plant death?

Verticillium wilt is a serious plant disease that affects a wide variety of ornamentals and can cause significant wilting and even death of the plant if not managed properly. This disease is caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, which invades the vascular system of the plant, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients.

As the fungus spreads, it leads to symptoms such as yellowing leaves, wilting, and eventually plant decline. These symptoms are particularly pronounced during warm weather, when the plant’s demand for water increases. If the infection is severe, it can kill the plant, making early identification and management critical for maintaining healthy ornamentals.

In contrast, rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spots typically manifest through different symptoms such as color changes, powdery fungal growth, or spots on leaves. While they can be damaging, they do not typically cause the same level of wilting or the same risk of plant death directly associated with the vascular disruption caused by Verticillium wilt.