USDA FNRI: Biofilm management in irrigation lines and hydroponic lettuce solutions using sanitizing chemicals
Paulo Rodrigues, University of São Paulo, Maria Fernanda Trientini and Paul Fisher, University of Florida
Evaluation of the effects of four sanitizers on (A) biofilm control within mist irrigation lines, and (B) biofilm and plant growth in hydroponic lettuce cultivation.
Exploring the Use of Calcium Applications Against Botrytis Blight
Jim Faust, Clemson University (jfaust@clemson.edu)
Melissa Muñoz Agudelo, Ph.D. Candidate at Clemson University, is researching management of Botrytis blight in roses. Roses represent a very important commodity in floriculture. Botrytis cinerea is a fungal pathogen that causes Botrytis blight and threatens rose profitability. Disease management relies often on fungicide applications; however, fungicide resistance development jeopardizes the efficacy and sustainability of this strategy. Prolonged periods of high humidity and moderate temperatures favor disease development, and these conditions are very often present in the greenhouses. These facts underscore the importance of developing alternative management strategies. Current research focuses on evaluating pre-and post-harvest applications of calcium in roses considering the role of calcium in enhancing the strength of the plant cell and mediating plant defense responses and secondary metabolites release against Botrytis cinerea.
1 Jun 2022
Evaluation of Biological Control Agents and Systemic Acquired Resistance Inducers for Botrytis Management in Floriculture Crops
Jim Faust, Clemson University (jfaust@clemson.edu)
Josselyn Gabriela Calidonio, M.S. Student at Clemson University, is researching effectiveness of different disease management agents for Botrytis in floriculture crops. Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is a major disease that affects many floriculture crops. Weekly, preventative fungicide applications have been the main strategy for Botrytis management, but this lead to fungicide resistance development. The use of antagonistic fungi and bacteria has become popular and offers a sustainable disease management option. In our project, we are screening 20 compounds, such as biological control agents, plant nutrients, plant extracts, and systemic acquired inducers to observe their effectivity against gray mold in petunias, roses and gerbera daisies.
20 Oct 2021
Michigan State University Greenhouse Management Article
Erik Runkle, Michigan State University and Paul Fisher, University of Florida
Erik Runkle at Michigan State University and Paul Fisher at University of Florida describe how to prevent crop losses by following greenhouse sanitation protocols and practices.
Genetic Transformation of Ornamental Succulents for Disease Resistance
Taylor Schulden, University of Maryland
Taylor Schulden, MSc student from University of Maryland advised by Dr. John Erwin, researches the genetic transformation of ornamental succulents for disease resistance.
21 Oct 2010
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) perform poorly on and disperse from plants exposed to methyl jasmonate
Charles L. Rohwer & John E. Erwin (University of Minnesota)
Jasmonates are plant hormones involved in wound and defense responses against herbivorous arthropods. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is used experimentally to induce defense responses in plants. Spraying plants with 100 lM MeJA 1 day before infestation caused mites to disperse within 2 days from treated impatiens [Impatiens wallerana Hook f.,'Super Elfin Pink' (Balsaminaceae)], pansy [Viola x wittrockiana Gams, 'Imperial Beaconsfield'(Violaceae)], and tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L., 'Big Boy' (Solanaceae)] plants.
In addition, MeJA application reduced mite proliferation rate on impatiens and pansy by 60% (measured 22-34 daysafter infestation). Proteinase inhibitor (PI) assays suggested that MeJA-induced PIs alone were notresponsible for the observed results in pansy and impatiens but may have been a factor in tomato.
Fisher Biofilm Article (563 KB)
