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Renewed grant will continue UTIA’s integrated pest management program

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $210,000 grant to support ongoing integrated pest management programs across the state. The grant will focus on agronomic and specialty crops, pest control in houses and schools, and improving pollinator health.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJan 9, 2025

APS PRESS publishes the definitive, up-to-date rose health resource

The Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide to diagnosing diseases, identifying pests, and expanding expertise in rose health management. Edited by industry experts, the book features over 50 contributing authors and provides practical guidance for students, researchers, educators, and professionals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateJan 9, 2025

Peroxisomal protein boosts plant immunity to thrive under environmental stress

Researchers at Shinshu University have discovered a key role for the HSR201 protein in salicylic acid production, a vital hormone for plant defense. The study found that HSR201 localizes to peroxisomes and uses a unique targeting signal to produce salicylic acid, which is essential for plant immunity.

SourceShinshu University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Sweetpotato’s sweet revenge

Researchers have identified 31 effector genes from the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, which causes devastating black rot in sweetpotatoes. This breakthrough provides a new approach to developing disease-resistant crops using effector-assisted breeding.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 12, 2024

Plant biologists identify promising new fungicides

Researchers at UC Davis identified a promising new fungicide, ebselen, that targets the autophagy pathway to prevent fungal infections in crops. The chemical has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in humans and is more effective than currently available fungicides.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

From Colombia to Laos: protecting crops through nanotechnology

A breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology has identified the fungus genus Ceratobasidium as the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease. This discovery will help plant pathologists in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries protect their crops, supporting millions of smallholder farmers who rely on cassava.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

Discovery: Plants use “trojan horse” to fight mold invasions

Plant scientists have discovered a sophisticated RNA defense system that plants use to attack gray mold cells, sending mRNA molecules that disrupt fungal cellular processes. This innovative approach could lead to the development of eco-friendly fungicides with minimal environmental impact and no harm to humans or animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 20, 2023

How to help save plants from extinction

A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalConservation Physiology·DateOct 17, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Study IDs secret of stealthy invader essential to ruinous rice disease

Researchers have identified an essential stage in the takeover of rice cells by a fungus, which could accelerate treatment or prevention of rice blast disease. The discovery involves a modification in tRNA molecules that aid in protein construction, and its absence leads to reduced virulence.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 24, 2023

Gene grants powerful resistance to resurging plant disease

Researchers have discovered a gene, B5, in Egyptian cotton that confers powerful resistance to bacterial blight. The gene enables strong resistance to the disease under Oklahoma field conditions and accumulates high amounts of defense chemicals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateAug 7, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Yams benefit from banana ‘paper’ cocoon

A North Carolina State University study shows that yam seeds wrapped in a biodegradable paper made from banana fibers and cardboard grow larger and more abundantly than those without the paper. The 'wrap-and-plant' method also reduces post-harvest loss by minimizing nematode pest effects.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Food·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Beating brassica blight: How treatment with amino acids can prevent disease

A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that treating cabbage leaves with multiple amino acids can prevent disease caused by Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis, a bacterium that causes blight in brassica crops. The amino acids trigger stomatal closure, reducing bacterial entry and disease symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPlant Science·DateDec 21, 2022

The missing link: Fatty acid metabolism impacts plant immunity

A recent study by Zhenzhen Zhao and colleagues found that Arabidopsis plants lacking Acyl Carrier Protein 1 (ACP1) are more resistant to bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. ACP1 is essential for maintaining hormone homeostasis, which affects plant stress responses.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateOct 13, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New research reveals mutation responsible for disease resistance in Cassava

A team of researchers has identified a single nucleotide mutation that confers resistance to cassava mosaic disease, which causes significant yield losses worldwide. This discovery has implications for improving cassava yields and sustaining farmer income, and could also shed light on disease-resistance in other major crops.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2022

New technology offers fighting chance against grapevine killer

Scientists at UC Riverside demonstrate CRISPR technology can make permanent physical changes in the insect, passed down to three or more generations. The technology may hold promise for controlling the sharpshooter and preventing Pierce's Disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Illinois researchers find exotic sources of resistance to tar spot in corn

Illinois researchers identified two tropical corn germplasm lines showing promising levels of tar spot resistance, regardless of location. The study developed a new method for scoring tar spot incidence and severity, which will aid breeding programs. The findings suggest resistant hybrids are key to managing the disease long-term.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateMar 24, 2022

February research news from the Ecological Society of America

Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 24, 2022

Finally: A comprehensive diagnostic guide to a well-established boxwood disease

A comprehensive diagnostic guide for Volutella blight has been published by the American Phytopathological Society. The guide provides a detailed review of the three fungal pathogens causing Volutella blight and compares its diagnostic traits with other boxwood fungal diseases.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

More to learn about Grapevine Pinot gris virus – new technology can help

Researchers used new technology to study Grapevine Pinot gris virus propagation in a specific vineyard in France. The study found that over 75% of tested plants became infected between 2014 and 2015, with only a marginal number of grapevines testing positive during the remaining five years.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

New inoculation method can protect soybeans against devastating leaf blight

A new inoculation method can identify resistance against one of the CLB pathogens, allowing breeders to select candidates for genetic material against the disease. This method uses detached leaflets for inoculation and offers an advantage in small experimental designs, enabling screening of soybean genetic materials.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Seed microorganisms override soil microorganisms when colonizing plants

Researchers found that seed microorganisms have more staying power than soil microorganisms when colonizing plants. The study suggests that modifying the seed microbiome could lead to more sustainable agriculture and increased crop yields and quality.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Nursery plants are plagued by a hidden water mold—plant pathologists have a solution

Plant pathologists have developed a set of Nursery Phytophthora Best Management Practices to eradicate the harmful organisms from nursery stock. Through testing and accreditation programs, nurseries that comply with the guidelines have shown no detectable Phytophthora infection in their stock, enabling habitat restoration plantings.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

How do plants act fast to fight off infections?

Researchers discovered a novel type of bivalent chromatin that enables plants to quickly produce defense compounds like camalexin in response to pathogens. This understanding could inform strategies to improve crop yields and combat global hunger.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Identification of plant-parasitic nematode attractant

A recent study has identified a nematode attractant in flax seeds, which can be used to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture methods. The attractant, consisting of cell wall polysaccharides, is found to contain L-galactose sidechains that are critical for nematode attraction.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Nematode has potential to reduce cotton yields by 50 percent

Plant pathologists at Auburn University conducted a field trial to assess the economic damage of reniform nematodes on cotton yields. The study found that cotton yields were 50% lower in fields infested with the nematode compared to clean fields.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·DateJul 6, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Two new truffle species discovered in Florida pecan orchards

Researchers have identified two new truffle species on roots of pecan trees in Florida orchards, which may lead to increased crop profit. The newly found species, Tuber brennemanii and Tuber floridanum, are edible but lack appealing odors, making them less desirable for consumption.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMycologia·DateAug 23, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

APS Foundation awardees honored at 2009 annual meeting

The APS Foundation presented several monetary awards to recognize excellence in teaching, research, and international service. H. David Shew received the Lucy Hastings de Gutiérrez Award for Excellence in Teaching, while Andrew F. Bent won the Noel T. Keen Award for Research Excellence in Molecular Plant Pathology.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateAug 31, 2009

The American Phytopathological Society announces 2009 awardees

The American Phytopathological Society recognized outstanding contributions to plant pathology with its 2009 awards. The APS Fellow class of 2009 includes prominent researchers and educators from around the world. Notable winners include Anne E. Dorrance, Charles Mellinger, H. David Shew, and Richard A. Sikora.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateAug 26, 2009

Scholthof named 2009 American Phytopathological Society Fellow

Dr. Herman Scholthof, a renowned plant pathology expert, has been awarded the 2009 American Phytopathological Society Fellowship for his distinguished contributions to the field. He is recognized for his notable work in plant pathology and microbiology at Texas A&M University.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJul 8, 2009

Shaw to receive prestigious honor for plant pathology research

Dr. Brian Shaw will receive the 2009 Alexopoulos Prize for his outstanding contributions to plant pathology research, as recognized by the Mycological Society of America. Shaw has authored 17 research papers in 12 years and is jointly appointed with Texas AgriLife Research.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJul 8, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Mushrooms may aid rapid vaccine response

Researchers at Penn State are using genetically modified mushrooms to produce vaccines and other biological drugs in record time. They aim to demonstrate the ability to produce three million doses of a drug within 12 weeks.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 19, 2007

Pam Henderson receives plant pathology journalism award

Pam Henderson received the APS Plant Pathology Journalism Award for her nine-article series on Asian Soybean Rust, which raised public awareness of the disease. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing knowledge and understanding of plant pathology.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateAug 21, 2006

Stress makes St. John's wort more effective

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that stress can increase the amount of hypericin in St. John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy for depression. The study found that plants under attack from insects produce more hypericin, which may contribute to its effectiveness.

SourceCornell University·DateAug 14, 2000
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.