Which of the following statements is true regarding the life cycle of Verticillium wilt?

The statement regarding the life cycle of Verticillium wilt being true is that it has no sexual structures. Verticillium wilt is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae and is known for its asexual reproductive cycle. This pathogen primarily reproduces through the production of conidia, which are asexual spores. This mode of reproduction allows for rapid spread and infection of host plants, which are often affected during the growing season.

Unlike fungi that may also have a sexual reproduction phase contributing to genetic diversity, Verticillium dahliae does not have a known sexual stage in its lifecycle. This characteristic is significant in understanding how the pathogen proliferates and how it can be managed, since control strategies often focus on the asexual reproduction methods it employs.

In contrast, the other statements involve factors that do not accurately describe Verticillium wilt’s life cycle, such as sexual structures or microspores, which are not relevant in this context. Understanding that Verticillium does not engage in sexual reproduction highlights the challenges and approaches in managing its impact on crops.