Category Archives: Outreach

Include marketing and educational efforts

Rapid Decline of Oaks

Ms. Sheila McBride (TPDDL diagnostician) and Dr. David Appel, Extension Plant Pathologist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service contributed this article to address the numerous inquires that has been received this year regarding declining oak trees -KO This year, beginning in the early spring to late summer, there has been many inquiries as to why the post oaks have “suddenly” died. The most frequent symptoms have been described as a rapid appearance of chlorotic (yellow) and/or necrotic (brown and dead) leaves throughout the entire crown. The leaves often… Read More →

New treatment for the management of Cotton Root Rot on winegrapes

Dr. David Appel, Extension Plant Pathologist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service contributed this article that describes a new treatment for one of the most devastating diseases of Texas winegrapes. This was research conducted by Dr. Appel and our own TPDDL diagnostician, Sheila McBride. -KO This disease, cotton root rot, occurs on winegrapes in the calcareous soils of Central, South, and West Texas where soil pH is well above 7. The most common symptom of CRR in grapes is a sudden wilt and death of the infected… Read More →

Oak Wilt…in the wild.

Happy Friday to all (11/20).  This last month has been one with a lot of angst and headaches.  The Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab is experiencing issues due to loss of personnel – on to sickness and one to a new endeavors.  As a results, things are more hectic and phone does not get answered in a timely fashion and reports are delayed.  I do thank all for their patience with us.  On a bright note, we just started 2 new student workers (takes time to train them… Read More →

Student worker/ BESC Internship

The Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab is looking for a students who are interested in gaining some experience in an applied plant pathology service laboratory. Undergraduate Extension (Lab) assistant to assist Diagnostician and Assistant Diagnostician at the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab to perform various diagnostic analysis on plant specimens.  This is an opportunity of the motivated student gain lab work experience. Student will be trained to perform specific lab task as needed.  Desirable skills and knowledge include familiarity with computer, some basic lab skill (chemistry/biochemistry/biology/microbiology). To apply: please send resume… Read More →

2015 Texas – Bacterial blight of cotton

Posting some news about bacterial blight of cotton issues that is currently going on in Texas. The URL link below point to a pdf document containing information (brief update) provided by Dr. Jason Woodward (Extension Plant Pathologist) and Dr. Terry Wheeler (Research Pathologist), both located at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center in Lubbock, TX. They have made some “peculiar observations” of bacterial blight on cotton varieties that were previously documented as resistant.  This note provide growers, consultant and county agents descriptions and images to help with recognizing… Read More →