Author: David Santos

Pathogen Profile: Erwinia tracheiphila

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 […]
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Four Greenhouse Pathogens to Watch for Indoor Farming Success

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 […]
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Important Plant-Microbe Publications of 2023

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 […]
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Pathogen Profile: Pepino Mosaic Virus

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 […]
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Plant Microbiome 101: Insights for Hydroponic and Conventional Soil Growers Part 2

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 […]
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Pathogen Profile: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici

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 […]
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Microorganisms and the USDA Organic Label

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 […]
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Annual Fleabane. Image by OMAFRA

Tackling Herbicide-Resistant Weeds with Genetic Testing

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 […]
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Pathogen Profile: Olpidium brassicae

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 […]
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