Four Plant Pathogens to Look Out for in 2024 Greenhouse growers and indoor farm operators must stay vigilant about evolving greenhouse pathogens, a critical aspect of plant health and productivity. Understanding and managing greenhouse plant diseases is more crucial than ever in ensuring a bountiful and healthy harvest. Here are the top four plant pathogens […]
Plant-Microbe Publications In 2023, scientists learned more about plant-microbe (plant bacteria, plant pathogens, and other microorganisms) interactions and saw significant advancements, especially in studying Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). Here are six sources (publications and collections) published in 2023 that you might still need to look into. 1. Latest Review Papers in Plant-Microbe Interactions “Latest Review […]
Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV) Introduction Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV) is a highly infectious pathogen that primarily affects solanaceous plants, including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants [1][2][3]. It was first detected on pepino plants in Peru in 1974 and has since spread to several countries, causing significant problems in the cultivation of greenhouse tomatoes [1][3]. The virus […]
Plant Microbiome 101 Introduction to Plant Microbiome Interactions Welcome to Part 2 of our exploration into the wondrous world of plant microbiomes. Our previous blog, “Plant Microbiome 101: Introduction to a Plant Microbial Universe,” introduced the basics of the plant microbial universe. Now, let’s delve deeper into the fascinating processes of plant colonization and the […]
Plant Microbiome 101 Introduction to a Plant Microbial Universe As a hydroponic grower, you might wonder what’s happening beyond the visible spectrum of your plants. Especially today, when microbial inoculants are on the rise. A great starting point is a review paper by Pankaj Trivedi and a team of international authors published in the Nature […]
Banner Image by Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org. https://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5507942& Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici Introduction Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat to pepper crops. This pathogen is responsible for Fusarium wilt, a devastating disease that can lead to substantial yield losses. The economic impact of […]
How Microorganisms Help Farms with The USDA Organic Label Microorganisms are crucial for farms trying to attain or maintain a USDA Organic Label. This blog will explore the label itself, the requirements of the label, how microbes work in organic farming and how they can work for indoor organic agriculture. USDA Organic Label The United […]
Herbicide-Resistance and Genetic Testing The modern farmer faces various challenges, from fluctuating market demands to the unpredictable whims of Mother Nature. Of all these challenges, the rise of herbicide-resistant weeds has rapidly emerged as a pressing concern. In Canada alone, weeds cost growers over half a billion dollars annually in replacement herbicides and reduced crop […]
Olpidium brassicae Introduction Olpidium brassicae is a common fungal parasite that infects the epidermal cells of plant roots, particularly those in the Brassicaceae family and tobacco plants [1]. It is commonly known as seedling blight of tobacco or seedling disease of cabbage. This pathogen has a significant economic impact on agriculture, as it can reduce […]
Olpidium virulentus Introduction Olpidium virulentus is a parasitic fungus that infects plant roots, including leafy greens grown hydroponically. The pathogen can transmit two serious viruses: Lettuce big-vein associated virus (LBVaV) and Mirafiori Lettuce Big Vein Virus (MLBBV), causing a decrease in overall yield. Olpidium virulentus does not cause significant plant diseases but is a vector for viruses […]