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Plant Pathology

The department is recognized as a national and international leader in many areas of plant pathology. The research programs focus on diseases caused by fastidious microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, and whitefly- and aphid-transmitted viruses. We are known for our research on diseases of diverse crops including citrus; vegetables such as tomato, pepper and cucurbits; ornamentals including foliage plants and flowering and woody ornamentals; field crops including soybean, peanut and sugarcane; and tropical fruits. Our strengths also include expertise in epidemiology, molecular biology of host-parasite interactions, biological control, and post-harvest diseases. Our faculty has also been very active in international programs as evidenced by the many collaborative efforts in Florida and outside the U.S.
--- About Plant Pathology, https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/about-us/

Editorial Team

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

Sample Collection for Ganoderma Butt Rot of Palms

PP373/PP373by Braham Dhillon and Seemanti ChakrabartiFebruary 21st, 2024Palms are an integral part of the urban landscape in Florida. Ganoderma butt rot of palms, a disease caused by the wood-decaying white-rot fungus Ganoderma zonatum, is one of the major biotic concerns for the landscape industry. The lethal disease is prevalent across palm-growing regions in the US, and all palm species are believed to be susceptible to this fungus. It may take six months to a year for the diseased palm to die once the initial symptoms appear. But with the availability of a disease diagnostic assay, this fungal pathogen can be detected using saw dust samples collected from declining palms, several months before symptoms appear. Collect good quality samples by following these steps and understanding the caveats associated with each step. Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Phytophthora Root Rot on Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

PP374/PP374by Norma C. Flor, Douglas A. Phillips, and Philip F. HarmonFebruary 1st, 2024Roots serve the vital function of water and nutrient uptake for plants. Healthy roots provide the foundation for productive blueberry bushes and require the right horticultural inputs and soil environment to thrive. Less-than-ideal conditions can result in unhealthy, rotten roots, sometimes caused by disease. The most common and destructive root rot disease of southern highbush blueberry (SHB) in Florida is Phytophthora root rot (PRR), caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Oomycetes, or “water molds,” favor water-saturated environments. The distinction between oomycetes and fungi is important for disease management, because many fungicides work for only one group, not both. Worldwide, P. cinnamomi is a devastating pathogen of approximately 5,000 woody plant host species. For blueberry growers in Florida, PRR is a persistent problem that is currently managed through careful site selection, preparation, and routine Phytophthora-specific fungicide applications. Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

2023–2024 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Tristeza Decline

CG039/PP-181 by Ozgur Batuman, Amit Levy, Mark E. Hilf, Peggy J. Sieburth, Ronald H. Brlansky, and William O. DawsonAugust 16th, 20232023–2024 Florida Citrus Production GuideCritical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Anthracnose on Cucurbits in Florida

PP370/pp370by Pamela D. Roberts, Gary Vallad, Shouan Zhang, Nicholas Dufault, and Mathews ParetJune 12th, 2023Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), cantaloupe or muskmelon (Cucumis melo), squash (Cucurbita pepo), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), and cucumber (Cucumis sativa) are commonly grown throughout Florida on both commercial farms and home gardens, while pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) production is largely limited to north Florida.  Anthracnose on cucurbits, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum orbiculare, is a common disease that occurs worldwide and throughout Florida. While all cucurbits are susceptible to the disease, cucumber, cantaloupe, and watermelon are most frequently affected. This EDIS document provides information regarding the pathogen, disease cycle, diagnostics and symptoms, and an overview of management of this disease on cucucurbits.Critical Issue: Nutrition, Health and Food Safety

The Common Chanterelles (Cantharellus and Craterellus) of Florida

PP369/PP369by Kaori Hall, Ben Lemmond, and Matthew E. SmithFebruary 23rd, 2023This document is intended to introduce the general public to the chanterelle mushrooms of Florida and includes a preliminary key to Florida’s most common chanterelle species. Written by Kaori Hall, Ben Lemmond, and Matthew E. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, February 2023.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems