Verticillium wilt mainly affects which type of tissue in plants?

Verticillium wilt is primarily a vascular disease caused by the fungus Verticillium spp., which specifically attacks the xylem tissue of plants. The xylem is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. When the fungus infects the xylem, it causes blockages that lead to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and overall decline in plant vitality. This disease is especially problematic for woody plants and certain herbaceous species, impacting their ability to absorb water effectively.

The focus on xylem tissue is crucial for understanding how the disease progresses and the symptoms that arise, such as vascular discoloration and leaf drop, which are direct consequences of the infection disrupting the plant's nutrient and water transport systems.