How an Understanding of PLANT PATHOLOGY Basics Can Assist You in the Integrated Pest Management Options for the Landscapes You Manage

Time for a brush up on concepts of Plant Pathology as it relates to management of plant problems. We will cover distinguishing features about the main groups of plant pathogens, in particular the Fungi, the Oomycetes, the Bacteria, and the Virus pathogens. We will discuss the attributes required for causing disease and ways that you can target these conditions in your landscape management activities.

Learning objectives:

• Recognize characteristics of four main plant pathogen groups (Fungi, Oomycetes, Bacteria, Virus) that are prevalent in PNW landscapes.
• Understand the main components of the Plant Disease Triangle (Host Plant, Pathogen Presence, Environmental Conditions Promoting Infection and Disease)
• Identify ways to use this knowledge in the toolbox of management options available to you via Integrated Pest Management Strategies.

Jenny Rebecca Glass, Extension Coordinator

Jenny Rebecca Glass is the Extension Coordinator and Plant Diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. For the past two decades, she has been responsible for diagnosing plant problems ranging from abiotic factors, such as nutrient deficiencies or water stress, to biotic factors including plant pathogens and arthropod pests. She also helps people understand the available management options. In addition to managing the Diagnostic Lab, Jenny provides plant pathogen training, covering plant problem diagnosis and integrated pest management, to diverse audiences in western Washington. Her interests involve vegetable gardening, reading, walking and working with youth in her community. She recently geeked out on mistletoe infection of pine against the backdrop of Steamboat Geyser’s pre-eruption antics at Yellowstone National Park.