Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab-
WHAT Wednesday Videos
Category Archives: PATHOGEN
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 →
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 →
Leaf Gall Diagnostics
Ever wonder about how some diseases are diagnosed in a plant disease diagnostic lab. You would be surprised that there are similarities to an ER in the hospital. When a sample arrives at the Plant Clinic, it has to be accompanied with a submission form where there are a bunch of question trying to get some history leading to the incidence or current situation. Then the samples are triaged within 24-48 hours of receipt (dependent on diagnostician availability). Decisions are made how to proceed based on history information… Read More →
Perfect conditions for Cercospora
Be on the lookout for Cercospora leaf spot in your landscape plants! Recent weather conditions around the state like cool temperatures and high humidity seem to trigger an increase in Cercospora activity. Check your colorful fall annual bedding plants, including zinnias, hydrangeas, snapdragons and azaleas, for necrotic or purplish, angular leaf spots. A: Cercospora symptoms on a recent Pansy sample B: Conidiophores on leaf edge C: Cluster of Cercospora conidiophores
