This research provides an improved system for identifying and classifying different species of Verticillium fungi that cause serious plant diseases. The study combines DNA analysis with traditional methods of examining fungal structures to create a more accurate way to tell these harmful fungi apart. Impacts on everyday life: – Better identification of crop diseases leads to more effective disease control measures – More accurate diagnosis helps farmers choose appropriate management strategies – Improved quarantine measures can prevent spread of harmful fungal species – Enhanced understanding aids development of resistant crop varieties – More reliable identification supports better crop protection and food security