Articles tagged with Plant Pathogens
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene that protects potatoes from late blight, a fungal pathogen responsible for the Irish potato famine. The discovery holds significant potential to save farmers hundreds of millions of dollars and benefit the environment by reducing toxic chemical applications.
UC researchers have confirmed that coast redwood and Douglas fir are susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen causing Sudden Oak Death. The disease has already killed tens of thousands of oaks and tanoaks along California's northern coast.
Researchers found that the Rpm1 resistance gene in Arabidopsis is approximately 9.8 million years old, with minimal changes over time, contradicting the 'arms race' theory. The study suggests an alternative 'trench warfare' model, where cycles of disease epidemics maintain stable forms of resistance and susceptibility genes.
Bioterrorism poses a significant threat to US agriculture, with pathogens like soybean rust capable of devastating yields and contaminating the food supply. Experts are working to identify the most-threatening pathogens and develop strategies for prevention and response.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are investigating the effectiveness of river-bank filtration in removing harmful viruses, protozoa, and bacteria from drinking water. The study aims to determine if this natural filter can produce cleaner drinking water while minimizing the creation of toxic by-products.
The Institute of Food Technologists' Annual Meeting will explore ways to detect, identify, prevent, and control viruses and parasites in food and water. The symposium will also discuss rising antimicrobial resistance in pathogens, acid-resistant pathogens, and strategies for enhancing the safety of fresh produce.