Speaker
Description
Verticillium wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a major threat to olive (Olea europaea) production worldwide. In susceptible cultivars, the disease can cause yield losses of up to 89%, severely impacting the olive oil industry and ecosystem stability. The pathogen invades the xylem vessels, resulting in vascular dysfunction, chlorosis, wilting, defoliation, and potentially tree death. Its survival in the soil as microsclerotia allows long-term persistence, making disease control particularly difficult.
Two main pathotypes—defoliating (D) and non-defoliating (ND)—are recognized, based on the presence or absence of the Ave1 gene. The spread and severity of the disease are exacerbated by intensive agricultural practices, such as high-density planting and irrigation.
This study explores the interactions between V. dahliae, environmental conditions, and host susceptibility, emphasizing the role of climate change as a driver of disease emergence and expansion. It highlights current management limitations and advocates for the development of integrated, climate-resilient strategies to mitigate the impact of Verticillium wilt in Mediterranean olive-growing systems.
