Did You Know that Plants Get Sick Too? Jon Daniels Oklahoma State University, Entomology & Plant Pathology
Pathology Study and diagnosis of disease Plant Pathologist Someone who studies & diagnosis diseases of plants Disease An abnormal (unhealthy) condition that triggers an response from a plant or human (symptoms) Pathogen Any organism that causes disease Basic Definitions
Human Host 1. Flu 2. HIV/AIDS 3. Cold 4. Meningitis 5. Mosquito/Tick 6. Athletes Foot 7. Tuberculosis 8. E. coli
Plant Host 1. Downey Mildew 2. Powdery Mildew 3. Rusts 4. TMV 5. Canker 6. Bacterial spot 7. Insects 8. Larger Animals
What Is Needed For Disease To Occur? Susceptible Host Conducive Environment Virulent Pathogen Disease Must have all 3
The Irresistible Plant Plants are a rich source of nutrients Bacteria Fungi Protists Insects Vertebrates Plants lack an immune system comparable to humans No vaccines No antibiotics Fungal treatments – very expensive
Bacterial leaf spot Tree canker TMV
? Lightning ?Hail Damage ?Aliens
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