1. Enhancing Plant Disease Diagnostic Skills... …to build a stronger partnership between Specialists, Agents and Growers P. Bachi and J. Beale, Diagnosticians J. Hartman, D. Hershman, W. Nesmith, and P. Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologists Plant Pathology Department, University of Kentucky

3. Diagnosis is... Hypothesis-testing

4. Think of each diagnosis as a research project. 1.Examine samples and gather information 2.Formulate hypothesis 3.Test hypothesis 4.Accept or reject hypothesis based on results

5. Examine samples and gather information to formulate hypothesis.

6. Test hypothesis.

7. Diagnostic Rule: “Do make the diagnosis fit the symptoms (evidence); Don’t make the symptoms (evidence) fit the diagnosis.”

8. Diagnostic Rule: “Correlation is not causation.” or “Just because it’s there now, doesn’t mean it caused the problem.”

9. G. Kemmitt R.E.Stall W. E. Fry

10. Diagnostic Rule: “Know when you know; know when you don’t know.” – Bill Nesmith know when you don’t know.” – Bill Nesmith

11. How can we work better as partners? Specialists and Diagnosticians - Stay focused on the science - Timely diagnosis and reporting - New initiatives for greater efficiency - Education vs. service?

12. How can we work better as partners? County Extension Agents - Key in Detection - “Eyes and ears” - Critical link between local community & lab/specialists - Rapport with public

13. Diagnostic Initiatives for 2003 and Beyond - Real-time PCR - Digital Consulting System

14. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) The most important technique in molecular biologyThe most important technique in molecular biology Amplifies specific DNA sequence exponentially, by chain reactionAmplifies specific DNA sequence exponentially, by chain reaction

15. Real Time PCR Learn results of PCR test in real timeLearn results of PCR test in real time As a diagnostic technology, it is remarkably:As a diagnostic technology, it is remarkably: – Rapid – Sensitive – Specific

16. Smart Cycler® Real Time PCR Machine

18. Anticipated Diagnostic Applications in the near term Pierce’s disease of grapePierce’s disease of grape Bacterial spot of pepper and tomatoBacterial spot of pepper and tomato –Detection of pathogen species and race Bacterial speck of tomatoBacterial speck of tomato Bacterial wilt of tomato and tobaccoBacterial wilt of tomato and tobacco Bacterial canker of tomatoBacterial canker of tomato

19. Anticipated Diagnostic Applications in the near term (cont’d) Bacterial wilt of cucurbitsBacterial wilt of cucurbits Yellow vine decline of cucurbitsYellow vine decline of cucurbits Verticillium wilt of woody ornamentalsVerticillium wilt of woody ornamentals Spring dead spot of bermudagrassSpring dead spot of bermudagrass