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do you test for verticillium wilt? #870275

Asked May 27, 2024, 1:48 PM EDT

Hi, I bought and planted two small lilac shrubs last month and about 2 weeks ago, one has been showing wilted leaves on a couple of the lower branches. I pruned them off, and now there are more. It's getting adequate water, and the lilac right next to it is fine. I attached a couple pictures. Before I start looking for wilt resistant shrubs, I thought I would get it tested/diagnosed first. Thanks! Sheri

New Castle County Delaware

Expert Response

How did the roots look when you planted the sample? How often have you been watering? Is the soil poorly drained and/or heavy clay? Newly planted plants can wilt from too little or too much water. We rarely see Verticillium wilt in DE, and it's more likely this is a root problem. I would suggest gently pulling or digging the plant up and checking out the roots. If you'd like to submit a sample to our diagnostic lab (it's free), see instructions here: http://www.udel.edu/extension/plantclinic. I would suggest submitting root and stem samples. 

Jill Pollok Replied May 28, 2024, 11:50 AM EDT
Hi — thanks so much for the reply. I didn’t realize that VW was rare here. That’s good news.

I didn’t notice anything abnormal about the roots upon planting, but I don’t think I examined them. I’ve been watering about 1x/week for the last few weeks (when it was planted) for about 20-30 min on a slow hose trickle. We do have clay soil. This is a new bed that was amended with compost and mulched on top last fall, when created. What is confusing is that the exact same shrub right next to it, bought at the same place and planted at the same time is doing great.  I’ll send in the samples as you recommended. 

Thanks!

On May 28, 2024, at 11:50 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2024, 12:51 PM EDT

Depending on how wet the soils are, and how much rain we've gotten, that may be too much water for them. It's possible the one plant came in poorer shape than the other. We will keep an eye out for the samples.

Jill Pollok Replied May 28, 2024, 1:55 PM EDT
True. Thanks!

On May 28, 2024, at 1:55 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2024, 2:58 PM EDT

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