Category: Plant Pests & Diseases

Apple scab is a fungal disease that affects apple and crabapple trees. It is caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis. Apple scab can seriously impact the quantity and quality of the fruit crop if left unchecked. The disease presents itself as olive-green or brownish black velvety lesions on leaves, fruit, twigs, and buds. With the…

Stem rot is a common disease that affects a wide variety of plants by infecting the stem and woody parts of the plant. Proper identification and prevention of stem rot is crucial to ensure the health and productivity of crops. This comprehensive guide will provide farmers, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts with useful information on identifying,…

Corn smut is a fungal disease that affects corn crops worldwide. Proper identification, treatment, and prevention of corn smut are essential for managing this destructive pathogen. This comprehensive guide provides farmers, gardeners, and field technicians with the information needed to effectively control corn smut. What is Corn Smut? Corn smut is a plant disease caused…

Curly top is a destructive viral disease that affects crops like tomatoes, peppers, beans, melons, and squash. It can lead to substantial losses in yield and quality if left uncontrolled. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to identify, treat, and prevent curly top in your crops. What is Curly Top? Curly top is caused…

Oak wilt is a serious tree disease that affects many species of oaks. It is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum and can lead to rapid wilting and death of infected trees. Learning how to identify and prevent oak wilt is crucial for protecting oak trees in your landscape. This comprehensive guide provides information on…

Crown gall is a plant disease caused by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. It causes tumor-like growths called galls to form on the stems and roots of infected plants. Crown gall can affect a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants, including fruit trees, vines, roses, and ornamentals. If left unchecked, crown gall can stunt plant…

Clubroot is a serious disease that affects vegetables in the cabbage family, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and turnips. The disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus called Plasmodiophora brassicae. If left untreated, clubroot can destroy an entire crop. However, with proper identification, treatment, and prevention methods, gardeners and farmers can successfully manage…

Preventing plant diseases should be a top priority for any gardener. By utilizing good gardening practices, you can help ensure your plants stay happy and healthy all season long. With some knowledge of common plant diseases, vigilance in the garden, and proper care techniques, your garden will thrive. Choose Disease-Resistant Varieties One of the best…

Pruning dead, damaged, and diseased wood is an essential task for maintaining the health and appearance of trees and shrubs. Removing this unhealthy plant material promotes vigor, prevents the spread of pests and disease, and reduces safety hazards. With the proper tools and technique, pruning dead, damaged, and diseased wood can be done efficiently. When…

Fusarium wilt is one of the most destructive diseases of tomatoes worldwide. It is caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol). This fungus enters through the roots and colonizes the xylem vessels, preventing the proper transport of water and nutrients, causing the plants to wilt and eventually die. Symptoms of Fusarium…