Verticillium dahliae is a difficult-to-control fungus with a broad host range. Through the VERDABI project, we aim to achieve an integrated and sustainable management of Verticillium dahliae in Flanders in fruiting vegetables, chrysanthemums, and nursery crops grown in open fields. This will be done by applying three IPM strategies: prevention, resistance/tolerance, and integrated control.

Within the IPM framework, the primary focus is on disease prevention. When infection is suspected, plant and soil samples are analyzed to confirm contamination. In addition, cultivation and farm management practices are examined to identify potential pathways of introduction and to develop appropriate preventive measures.

In a second component, bioassays are developed to test commercially relevant cultivars and candidate rootstocks for resistance or tolerance. The best-performing cultivars and rootstocks are subsequently tested under increased inoculum pressure to confirm their effectiveness.

For the management of Verticillium, the potential of biological control organisms (BCOs) will be evaluated, including both beneficial endophytic V. isaacii isolates and commercially available BCOs.

The knowledge gained will be disseminated through information sheets, lists of susceptible species and/or cultivars, individual farm advice, study days, and field trial visits.