Verticillium wilt may be killing apricot tree

Q: I live in east Texas. I planted an apricot tree this year, and it was thriving but now is losing leaves one branch at a time. The first leaves to fall off are those closest to the trunk. Within a week, the branch is bare. This has been going on for two months. I do not see any bugs, damaged leaves or sap.

By: Don Kinzler, INFORUM