Tag: Control

Pathogen Profile: Bremia lactucae

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 […]
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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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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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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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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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Pathogen Profile: Olpidium virulentus

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 […]
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hop latent viroid lab test

Pathogen Profile: Hop Latent Viroid

Hop Latent Viroid Introduction Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd or HpLVd) is a significant concern for growers, particularly those cultivating hops and cannabis. This pathogen can have a considerable economic impact on the industry, leading to reduced yield, quality, and plant longevity[1-2]. A comprehensive economic study has summarized the economic impacts of diseases on specialty crops, […]
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Alternaria solani early blight tomato

Pathogen Profile: Alternaria solani

Alternaria solani Introduction Alternaria solani is a fungal pathogen that causes early blight in tomato and potato plants, leading to significant yield reductions if left uncontrolled [1]. This disease is particularly relevant for greenhouse growers and crop consultants, as it can thrive in warm and humid conditions. The economic impact of Alternaria solani is considerable, […]
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