Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab-
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Category Archives: student training
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Blog article #1 by Kevin Pineda (for partial fulfillment of BESC 484 requirement) Not all evidence of a plant pathogen can be seen above the surface. Phytophthora root rot caused by Phytophthora sp. is the most common cause of root rot. This rot of the root system hinders the ability of the host plant to take up water and nutrients. Below the surface, it can be observed as discoloration and decay of the roots. Phytophthora has a cell wall made of cellulose and is classified as an oomycete,… Read More →
Beauty is Only Skin Deep
The definition of beauty has become a rather obsessive paradigm that has affected present society. It is a constant desire to reach what is perceived to be “perfection.” This infectious ideal has given rise to profitable industries of cosmetics, heavy research of youth enhancing serums, even to the extent of affecting our perspective of healthy food products. The slightest blemish or spot on a fruit may discourage fellow consumers, potentially preventing their purchase and leaving the fruit to rot in the produce isle. What a waste. One such… Read More →
New Year news – much activities and COLD
This year went off with a start where the Plant Clinic remains busy with many different activities. Here are a few highlights: Many of you may have notice a new posting on our Facebook page called “Sample of the week”. This project/task is headed by our new Extension Assistant (newly graduated former student worker), B. Commer. The goals is to post an interesting thing that is received by the TX Plant Clinic once every 1-2 weeks. Check out and like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/TXPlantClinic Thanks to colleague, Dr…. Read More →
Identifying bacterial infections in submitted plant samples.
This is another assignment submitted by BESC484 student, B. Commer, as a partial requirement for the course. We typically get an uptick of bacterial issue showing up in the TX Plant Clinic in the fall. One of the student’s assignment is to document what they do in a manner to explain to non-plant pathologist or microbiologist what they do. Enjoy- KO Ever wonder just how the diagnostician can confirm bacterial plant pathogens? It starts with a very simple yet fascinating test to check for what is called… Read More →
Mushroom rings invading your yard?
This is another assignment submitted by BESC484 student, B. Commer, as a partial requirement for the course. This was a situation that was pretty rampant 1-2 weeks ago after the rain we got in many parts of Texas. Some of these mushroom are still present. Enjoy- KO Are mushroom rings invading you yard? Over fifty different species of fungi have a unique characteristic of creating circular patches of mycelium lined with fruiting bodies on the outer edge. Grasses and turfs are most susceptible to these mushroom “fairy… Read More →
