This vine disease is caused by the fungal species Verticillium dahliae (therefore also called Verticillium wilt). The fungus is one of the most important wilt pathogens in plants and occurs in over 300 crops, for example cotton, hops, clover, rape, stone fruit, tomatoes and also in the vine. The fungus, which lives in the soil, penetrates the plants directly through the root bark or through wounds after colony formation on the root surface. As a result, the entire nutrient and water transport to the upper parts of the plant is interrupted (also by defensive reactions of the plant). Individual shoots wilt and the entire plant dies. The fungus cannot be directly controlled. See also other fungal diseases under fungi and all diseases under vine enemies.
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Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg