Plant Pathology
Strong emphasis is placed on integrated fruit production (IFP) in which
pesticide use is reduced as much as possible without negatively impacting
production or quality. Predictive models for disease are important components
of IFP. We have developed a pear scab model and are validating it in
conjunction with computerized radio telemetry weather systems. In the
future, disease models, current infection conditions, and integration
of disease models with weather data will be available on a real time
basis to growers through the Internet.
Models to predict fruit decay in storage also are being developed for
blue mold and gray mold of apple and pear. Postharvest models employ
a molecular approach using real time PCR to relate populations of pathogens
in the orchard to decay in storage. In addition, we have discovered
and patented three yeasts that are effective biological control agents
for several postharvest diseases of apple, pear, and sweet cherry. One
of the yeasts has been formulated and is under commercial development.
A third innovation in plant pathology is the availability of rapid,
accurate, and economical techniques for identification of diseases.
Techniques that are currently being developed and tested include monoclonal
antibodies, multiplex PCR, and real time PCR.
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