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.
Verticillium dahliae invades the host plant via natural wounds or by penetrating the root tissue. Following entry, the pathogen enters the xylem where conidia are spread throughout the host.