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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]