Abstract
Verticillium wilt, caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, is the most important and destructive disease of mint (Mentha spp.) in the United States (U.S.). The disease was first observed in commercial mint fields in the Midwestern U.S. in the 1920s and, by the 1950s, was present in mint producing regions of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Verticillium wilt continues to be a major limiting factor in commercial peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and Scotch spearmint (Mentha x gracilis) production, two of the most important sources of mint oil in the U.S. The perennial aspect of U.S. mint production, coupled with the soilborne, polyetic nature of V. dahliae, makes controlling Verticillium wilt in mint a challenge. Studies investigating the biology and genetics of the fungus, the molecular mechanisms of virulence and resistance, and the role of soil microbiota in modulating host-pathogen interactions are needed to improve our understanding of Verticillium wilt epidemiology and inform novel disease management strategies. This review will discuss the history and importance of Verticillium wilt in commercial U.S. mint production, as well as provide a format to highlight past and recent research advances in an effort to better understand and manage the disease.
Highlights
Verticillium wilt, caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, is the most important and destructive disease of mint (Mentha spp.) in the United States (U.S.)
The cultivation of mint for oil has a long history in the United States, where commercial peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) production and distillation was first documented in western Massachusetts in the
100years yearsafter afterit was it was identified in peppermint, Verticillium wilt continues to firstfirst identified in peppermint, Verticillium wilt continues to be the be the most important and destructive disease affecting commercial mint oil production in the most important and destructive disease affecting commercial mint oil production in the United States
Summary
The genus Mentha L. (family Lamiaceae) encompasses a group of aromatic, mostly perennial herbs that are used in medicines, flavors, and fragrances [1,2]. The aromatic properties of mints are derived from their essential oils, which are produced on leaves in glandular trichomes and extracted using steam distillation [1,3]. The cultivation of mint for oil has a long history in the United States, where commercial peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) production and distillation was first documented in western Massachusetts in the. The early 20th century saw production shift into the muck soils of Michigan and Indiana, and further west into the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, where the majority of U.S mint oil is currently produced [1,4]. Later identified as Verticillium wilt, the disease soon spread into other production fields in the southwest southwest state. Verticillium wilt was production shifted to central Michigan. Production concern facing the U.S mint industry [4]
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