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
- Mathews Paret - Chair
- Pam Roberts - Editor
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Citrus Canker and Citrus Leprosis Fruit Symptom Comparison
PP372/PP372by A. Levy, J. D. Burrow, and M. M. DewdneyOctober 1, 2024This publication is intended to guide citrus growers in distinguishing the difference between citrus canker and citrus leprosis. Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
A Basic Guide to Mushrooms Commonly Encountered in Potted Plants in Florida
PP377/PP377by Elena Karlsen-Ayala, Romina Gazis, and Matthew E. SmithSeptember 30, 2024Mushrooms growing in potting soil are a common problem reported in nursery production and in potted plants in the indoor and outdoor home landscape. Many of these fungi are saprotrophic and feed on the organic matter contained in the potting soil itself and/or in the mulch, which varies in composition but often contains tree bark, wood chips, pine straw, moss, or leaves. These fungi are not necessarily harmful to the plants, but fungal fruiting bodies can make plants unmarketable. Unknown fungi can also be concerning to retailers and homeowners because of potential toxicity to pets and children. The purpose of this publication is to provide homeowners and retail nursery growers with an overview of some of the most common mushroom-forming fungi found in potted plants and potting soils in Florida. We also provide cultural control recommendations to help prevent or reduce mushroom growth.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Tar Spot of Maize in Florida
PP378/PP378by Larissa Carvalho Ferreira, Vitor Augusto Silva de Moura, Marcio F. R. Resende, and Katia Viana XavierSeptember 20, 2024Tar spot, a fungal foliar disease, affects most maize types commonly grown in Florida, such as sweet corn, field corn, and criollo corn. This disease is characterized by brown-to-black, raised structures called stromata, which are embedded in leaf tissue. As a polycyclic disease, tar spot lesions can increase in number as the disease progresses throughout the growing season, leading to reduction of photosynthetic area on the leaves. Tar spot has recently emerged as a significant threat in Florida and in the United States, with reports of up to 100% incidence in maize fields in south Florida. Tar spot occurrence and development in Florida is influenced by several factors, such as environmental conditions, maize types, crop maintenance, and corn growth stages. The purpose of this publication is to promote awareness among Florida growers regarding this newly identified disease and its management practices.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Recolección de muestras de pudrición basal de las palmas causada por Ganoderma
PP380/PP380by Braham Dhillon y Seemanti ChakrabartiSeptember 11, 2024Las palmeras son una parte integral del paisaje urbano de Florida. La pudrición de las palmas por Ganoderma, una enfermedad causada por el hongo Ganoderma zonatum, que descompone la madera, es una de las principales preocupaciones bióticas para la industria del paisajismo. La enfermedad letal prevalece en las regiones de cultivo de palmeras en los EE. UU., y se cree que todas las especies de palmeras son susceptibles a este hongo. La palma enferma puede tardar entre seis meses y un año en morir una vez que aparecen los síntomas iniciales. Pero con la disponibilidad de un ensayo de diagnóstico de enfermedades, este patógeno fúngico se puede detectar utilizando muestras de aserrín recogidas de palmas en declive, varios meses antes de que aparezcan los síntomas. Aquí se indican los pasos a seguir.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Florida Plant Disease Management Guide: Guava (Psidium guajava)
PG133/PP-232by Romina Gazis, Jonathan Crane, and Jeff WasielewskiMay 22, 2024Guava is a popular subtropical fruit tree grown commercially in south Florida. Production is affected by multiple diseases of different origin. This guide provides information about the most common diseases, including disease biology and management. Written by Romina Gazis, Jonathan Crane, and Jeff Wasielewski, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, revised April 2024.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
