Global Plant Council’s Post

Study shows weak external electric fields may protect crops from infection Scientists have discovered a novel way to protect plants from harmful pathogens using weak electric fields. Spores like Phytophthora palmivora, which attack crops such as palms and nuts, are electrotactic—attracted to electric charges. Placing field-generating devices near plant roots reduced spore attachment, offering a pesticide-free approach to crop protection. https://lnkd.in/dTGgpDsz via Imperial College London #PlantScience Image credit: grass-pixabay

Unlocking Nature's Shield Against Crop Diseases The SNU Plant Immunity Research Center, under the leadership of Prof. Doil Choi, has identified key resistance genes that shield crops from destructive diseases, including the infamous agent behind the Irish potato famine. These genes show potential to protect a wide range of crops from similar threats.   This breakthrough holds promise for developing resilient crop varieties to combat critical agricultural challenges, such as chili pepper blight and potato late blight.   Published in Nature Communications: https://lnkd.in/g3rcierE #SNUResearch #PlantImmunity #NatureCommunications

Two studies by UC Riverside researchers reveal that native plants and non-native crops do not coexist well, as they attract pests that spread diseases between them. One study found that a bacterial pathogen, Candidatus liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), affects wild California plants and crops like tomatoes and potatoes. The other study discovered that wild squash plants in California are infected with a non-native virus, cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), which harms their root growth. The findings highlight the need for coordinated efforts to prevent the spread of plant pathogens and protect both wild and agricultural plant health. References: https://lnkd.in/dzY6Q9Qb https://lnkd.in/duDJ8Cnq

Cucurbit downy mildew, a #cucumber 🥒 disease that devastated once-resistant cucumber varieties, is a tricky one to tackle. The amount of fungicide sprays required for efficacy can be cost-prohibitive 💸 and the pathogen can quickly develop resistance. N.C. State 🐺 researchers devised spore traps in hopes of detecting the downy mildew pathogen 🦠 before plants 🌱 exhibit physical symptoms. When field testing the traps, researchers 🔎 encountered issues with traps getting caught on cucumber vines so they’re now piloting a spider-shaped 🕷️ robot that can effectively navigate the spore trap through the fields, much like an insect would travel the field. While still in the prototype stage, the hope is that the spore traps will improve timing ⏲️ and efficacy of fungicide sprays to keep cucumber farming 🧑🌾 sustainable for years to come.

Source: (iScience) Study on bumblebee stress: heatwaves and pesticides affect food intake, survival, and reproduction. Simulated future heatwaves showed pesticide exposure, especially sulfoxaflor, reduced survival and brood development. Unexpectedly, pesticide-stressed colonies fared better in future heatwave scenarios.

🌱 Exploring Pathogen Testing for Plant Health 🦠 Ensuring plant health is a critical step in maintaining agricultural productivity and ecosystem balance. Today, I'm diving deep into **pathogen testing—a crucial diagnostic tool to detect harmful microorganisms that may affect plant growth and crop yield. By identifying pathogens like fungi, bacteria, and viruses early, we can implement targeted strategies to prevent the spread of disease, protect crops, and improve food security. Utilizing advanced techniques such as molecular diagnostics, serological tests, and bioassays helps us get accurate and timely results. It's fascinating to see how **plant pathogen testing plays a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture, contributing to healthier plants and more resilient agricultural systems. #PlantHealth #PathogenTesting #SustainableAgriculture #PlantScience #CropProtection

Did you know that protecting crops from diseases is crucial for ensuring a stable food supply? One such disease, tar spot, can significantly impact corn yields. However, Bayer researchers have made strides by artificially inoculating tar spot in field test plots. This advancement allows for better understanding and management of the disease, potentially leading to the development of more resilient corn hybrids. By creating controlled conditions for tar spot, we can now study its effects more effectively and work towards solutions that enhance crop protection and ensure food security for all.

✳️ Black gram yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV) is a virus that causes yellow mosaic disease (YMD) in black gram, which can lead to significant yield losses. The disease is spread by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci and is a serious threat to grain legume production. ✳️ Pathogen - SS Circular DNA 🧬 Geminivirus, Genus - Begomovirus. ✳️ symptoms of YMD: 🔹 Early stages: Scattered yellow spots appear on young leaves 🔹 Later stages: Leaves develop irregular yellow and green patches, and some leaves turn completely yellow. 🔹 Stunted growth: Infected plants are stunted and mature late. 🔹 Reduced flowers and pods: Diseased plants produce very few flowers and pods. 🔹 Yellow pods: Pods of infected plants are reduced in size and turn yellow. ✳️ Some treatments for YMD include: 🔸Acetamiprid 20 SP / 🔸Imidachloprid 17.8 SL / 🔸Triazophos 40 EC . ▫️Seed treatment with 🔸Imidachloprid 600 FS / 🔸Azadirachtin 1000ppm / 🔸Thiamethoxam 25 WG . Stay connected for more insights on plant pathology and crop management. Follow me, Pragadeeshwaran Tamilvanan , on LinkedIn for updates and discussions on sustainable agriculture practices.

🌾🔍 Exciting advancements are underway in agricultural science! An international surveillance project is taking aim at protecting wheat crops from deadly diseases like rust infections. Together, we can secure our food future! Read all about this groundbreaking initiative here: https://buff.ly/3BNbYsO Stay updated with positive news - subscribe to the daily newsletter at https://buff.ly/4cK4yUh! #WheatProtection #AgriTech #FoodSecurity #Innovation #SustainableFarming #PositiveNews #GlobalCollaboration

🌱 Understanding the Importance of Seed Health: Detection of Seed-Borne Pathogens 🌱 In our latest article, we explore various methods for detecting seed-borne pathogens, including: 🔍 Examination of Seed Without Incubation: Visual and microscopic examination techniques to identify pathogens. 🧫 Incubation Methods: Detailed procedures like the standard blotter method, deep freezing blotter method, and agar plate method to detect fungal pathogens. 🧬 Molecular Techniques: Advanced methods like PCR and LAMP for identifying specific DNA or RNA sequences of pathogens. 🧪 Serological Methods: Techniques such as ELISA and Immunofluorescence for pathogen detection. 🔬 Biochemical Methods: Analyzing isoenzymes and fatty acids for pathogen identification. Learn more about these essential techniques and how they help safeguard crop health. 🌾 #SeedHealth #Agriculture #PathogenDetection #CropProtection #DigitalAgriFarm #SustainableFarming #seedborndisease #seed https://lnkd.in/g8_ggvRs