Did You Know that Plants Get Sick Too?

Jon DanielsOklahoma 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. Flu2. HIV/AIDS3. Cold4. Meningitis5. Mosquito/Tick6. Athletes Foot7. Tuberculosis8. E. coli

Plant Host

1. Downey Mildew2. Powdery Mildew3. Rusts4. TMV 5. Canker6. Bacterial spot7. Insects8. 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

Thank You!