Verticillium is a genus of soil-borne fungi that can cause diseases in a wide range of plants. These fungi infect the vascular system of plants, leading to symptoms such as wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Common hosts include crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and cotton. The most notable species, Verticillium dahliae, is known for causing Verticillium wilt, which can severely impact agricultural productivity. Management strategies often involve crop rotation, resistant plant varieties, and proper soil management to reduce the presence of these pathogens in the soil.