Isolates of Verticillium dahliae from 15 different hosts and V. albo-atrum
from alfalfa were tested for their ability to cause wilt on broccoli using
a root-dip inoculation method. None of the isolates caused vascular discolo
ration in broccoli except those from cabbage and cauliflower that were weak
ly pathogenic. Broccoli cultivars Baccus, Greenbelt, Parasol, Patriot, and
Symphony showed resistance to Verticillium infection. Re-isolated strains f
rom fresh samples of internally discolored broccoli and cauliflower root ti
ssues were unable to cause disease symptoms on re-inoculation of broccoli,
but caused severe disease on cauliflower. Inoculation of 5-, 7-, 9-, or 11-
week-old plants did not alter the resistance in broccoli or the susceptibil
ity in cauliflower against Verticillium. Immunity of broccoli against infec
tion by isolates of V. dahliae from non-crucifer hosts, its resistance agai
nst crucifer isolates, and as previously described, attrition of V. dahliae
microsclerotia in soil by broccoli residue, coupled with its importance as
a commercial vegetable, make broccoli an attractive rotation crop for the
management of Verticillium wilt in many cropping systems.