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Plant Pests
Pathogens
Predators
Weeds
localized areas Canker - localized necrosis resulting in lesion, usually on stem Wilt - droopiness due to loss of turgor Blight - Loss of foliage Chlorosis - loss of photosynthetic capability due to bleaching of chlorophyll Hypoplasia - stunted growth Hyperplasia - excessive growth Gall - tumor
Pathogens : Viruses
Transmission of viruses
Insect
vectors - especially aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, mealybugs, ants Nematodes Seeds from infected parent plants
Airborne transmission
Infected Aphids Pollen
plant parts
Pathogens: Bacteria
Generally Gram-negative bacilli: species of
Erwinia, Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, Agrobacterium, and Corynebacterium Dispersal from plant generally passive by water, wind-blown water, animals, agricultural workers In warm, humid climates, where dew and rain are common, dispersal of bacteria by rain-splash is the major means of disease spread Airborne spread on rafts of plant material
Pathogens: Fungi
Over 70% of all major crop diseases are
caused by fungi Thousands of fungal species recognized as plant pathogens Fungal diseases cost more than $3.5 billion to US farmers alone In general spores of most fungal pathogens are adapted for airborne transport
and are spread by insect vectors Reduces crop yield and increases risk of infection through wounds
Insects
Damage or destroy crops before and after
harvest Larval stage often most destructive Injury plants directly by using plant for food or shelter and indirectly by spreading pathogens
Weeds
Unloved plant
Control Measures
Crop rotation
Genetic resistance Biological Control
Biological Control
Use of living organisms to reduce disease due to
competition or antagonism
i.e.. ladybugs to control aphids
The aim is to reduce dependence on chemicals Today emphasis on microorganisms Bacillus thuringiensis for insect control Several Pseudomonas species for control of bacterial and fungal pathogens Numerous fungi for insects, nematodes, fungal pathogens
Bacillus thuringiensis
Common soil bacterium well known for its ability to produce crystalline proteins with insecticidal properties Since 1960s Bt available as a safe naturally occurring biopesticide
Use as a dried inoculum containing endospores and crystals of insecticidal proteins used as sprays or dusts for a wide variety of insects especially Lepidopteran
Bt Toxins
Toxins activated by enzymes in insect gut Kill insects by binding to membranes in digestive system and creating pores in membrane~contents leak into body cavity Harmless to humans, natural enemies of arthropods, and non-target organisms
Bacillus thuringiensis
B.t. subspecies kurstaki is widely used in caterpillar control in agriculture and forestry B.t. subspecies israelensis is active against mosquitoes and black flies B.t. subspecies tenebrionis is active again beetle larvae
Bt Uses
Spray Applications
Bt
toxins degrade within a few days Endospores can survive for several years after spray applications
Pseudomonas species
Pseudomonas fluorescens for control of fire blight (also may control apple blue mold) Fire blight bacterial disease of apples and pears caused by Erwinia amylovora Pseudomonas out competes Erwinia Reduces use of streptomycin which has been helpful since many Erwinia strains resistant