Introduction

A plant disease is a dynamic process during which a plant, a pathogen (living or nonliving), and the environment interact over a period of time and interfere with a plant’s functions. Plant pathology is the study of plant diseases. Becoming familiar with plant diseases is an important skill for any gardener. Accurate, early detection is critical for plant health.

Adapted from Penn State Extension Master Gardener Manual, pg. 184 https://extension.psu.edu/master-gardener-manual

By completing this section you will:

  • Explain the difference between biotic and abiotic diseases.
  • Review the five types of biotic disease organisms and their life cycles (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and phytoplasmas).  
  • Recognize the disease pyramid/triangle. 
  • Be familiar with the five basic steps to diagnosing plant problems (determine if problem exists, look for patterns, determine time of development, ask questions and synthesize the information). Use the approach to determine if example plant problems are caused by abiotic or biotic factors.
  • Recognize the importance of accurate, early detection of introduced and invasive pathogens.

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