When the plant dies, Verticillium survives as mycelia in dead tissue, as long-term resting spores in the form of microsclerotia, or saprophytically in the soil. Microsclerotia can be spread via wind and rain, resulting in infection of previously pathogen-free fields.
When a plant dies, Verticillium continues to exist as mycelial fragments in dead tissue, as long-term dormant spores in microsclerotia form, or by decomposing in the soil. Microsclerotia can be carried through air and water, leading to infection of previously unaffected fields.