Pathogen Profile: Neopestalotiopsis Introduction Neopestalotiopsis is a significant fungal pathogen threatening strawberry growers globally, including indoor cultivators. This aggressive fungus damages various plant parts and has evolved to become more virulent, posing serious risks to production. Recent reports highlight its presence in indoor growers in Quebec and the Northeastern United States. Neopestalotiopsis is a genus […]
Pseudomonas cichorii Introduction Bacterial leaf blight caused by Pseudomonas cichorii is a significant disease affecting many crops and ornamental plants. Here’s an overview of this pathogen and its impact. P. cichorii has a broad host range and has been reported in numerous countries: Ornamental Plants: Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Monstera adansonii, Calceolaria hybrida (pocketbook plant), aglaonema (Aglaonema […]
Olpidium on Leafy Greens Olpidium species, particularly Olpidium brassicae and Olpidium virulentus, are significant pathogens in greenhouse environments due to their ability to act as vectors for plant viruses and their direct pathogenic effects on plant roots. Here’s how Olpidium affects various leafy greens commonly grown in greenhouses: Common Leafy Greens Lettuce (Romaine, Butterhead, Leaf […]
ToBRFV and Breaking Resistance in Peppers This blog continues our coverage of the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), but this time, we are giving an update on peppers (mostly bell peppers but also others in the Capsicum genus) and its ability to overcome plant resistance. While this virus primarily targets tomatoes, it’s also a […]
Multiplex qPCR in Enhancing Disease Management in Greenhouses and Indoor Farms In modern agriculture, especially in controlled environments like greenhouses and indoor farms, managing plant diseases is key to good harvests and smooth operations. A standout method for detecting and managing plant diseases is called the multiplex quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, or multiplex qPCR for […]
qPCR and Greenhouses Today, we’re exploring the world of qPCR, or quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, for greenhouses and discovering why it’s essential for anyone in the business of growing. The Basics of qPCR qPCR is a lab technique used to amplify and quantify DNA. Think of it as turning a tiny, almost invisible piece of […]
What is RNA and Why it Matters to Greenhouses and Indoor Farms RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a fundamental molecule in the biology of all living organisms, including plants. It is crucial in translating genetic information from DNA into proteins, which are necessary for the structure, function, and regulation of a plant’s tissues and organs. […]
Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV) Co-infection Introduction Tomato growers face numerous challenges, from environmental conditions to pests, but invisible threats, such as viruses, can be particularly devastating. Among these, the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV) stand out for the high risk of lowering […]
Bremia lactucae Introduction Bremia lactucae causes lettuce downy mildew for both indoor and outdoor lettuce. It is a significant pathogen in cooler environments like late-fall seasons and heated winter greenhouses. This plant pathogen is an oomycete, and symptoms of the disease are similar to late blight. However, the disease may appear as white fungal growth […]
Erwinia tracheiphila Introduction Erwinia tracheiphila is a bacterial pathogen that causes bacterial wilt, a devastating disease affecting cucurbits such as cucumbers, muskmelons, and, to a lesser extent, squash and pumpkins. This disease does not affect watermelons. The economic impact of Erwinia tracheiphila is significant, particularly in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States, where it threatens […]