Which of the following crops does verticillium wilt NOT affect?

Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne disease caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, which infects a variety of crops, leading to wilt symptoms and overall decline in plant health. Among the crops listed, corn (maize) is the one that is generally not affected by Verticillium wilt. This is largely due to corn's biological characteristics and resistance mechanisms, which make it less susceptible to this specific pathogen.

Cotton, soybean, and tomato are known hosts for Verticillium dahliae. These crops can exhibit significant symptoms when infected, including wilting, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. The specific life cycle of the fungus and its ability to infect the vascular system of these plants contribute to their vulnerability. Corn, on the other hand, has not shown the same level of susceptibility and is often considered a non-host for this wilt disease, reinforcing its distinction from the other crops listed.