UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department

Dedicated to supporting plant health through research in plant and pathogen genetics, plant-microbe interactions, epidemiology, and smart agriculture.

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

.@UFPlantPath at @UFGulfCoastREC recently detected Fusarium wilt in strawberry fields across Florida and several East Coast states. The disease can survive in soil for years and is difficult to control.

Using rapid molecular testing, our scientists can provide preliminary diagnoses within 24 to 48 hours, helping growers protect crops before diseases spread further.

Learn more 🔗 https://t.co/mg6w4DTeVM

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

A predicted El Niño could create challenging conditions for Florida strawberries this season.

@UF_ABE-@UFPlantPath research found wetter, cooler El Niño years increase Botrytis disease risk across major growing regions, while tools like the Strawberry Advisory System help growers respond more efficiently.

To learn more, click the link https://t.co/8IFJ0TK5hm

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

.@UFPlantPath Researchers used DNA analyses to show blotch isn’t one pathogen—it’s a multi-species bacterial complex, helping explain inconsistent control results.

Learn what’s next for diagnostics & sustainable management 🔗 https://t.co/p7QpRNuE7y

[UF Innovate | Tech Licensing @UFOTL]

Black pod disease threatens cacao yields worldwide. @UFPlantPath researchers developed a dual-genome model that links cacao and pathogen genetics to speed the identification of disease-resistant varieties and boost breeding efforts. ⭐

License this tech: https://t.co/QQVwuD4Fiw

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

Congrats to our Fall 2025 grads!

Mariana Herrera Corzo, Doctor of Philosophy
Beatriz de Toledo Franceschi, Doctor of Philosophy
Ketsira Pierre, Doctor of Philosophy
Alec Dunker, Doctor of Plant Medicine
Rana Elessawy, Master of Science
Jorge Santiago Vazquez, Master of Science

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

National Plant Diagnostic Network's seal of approval confirms that Florida farmers can expect "gold star quality" results from @UFPlantPath scientists.

More on this history-making accreditation ➡️ https://t.co/fx4NNfYqxB

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

UF/IFAS Plant Pathology is actively recruiting for several highly competitive Graduate Assistantships for Fall 2026.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
For more information, visit https://t.co/BddKRCZiEY

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

From @UFPlantPath student Amanda McVay

[USA TODAY Opinion @usatodayopinion]

Opinion: I traded debt for dirt. America needs more students who'll do the same. | Opinion https://t.co/OQoKlDQsMQ

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

What the Alleged Plant Pathogen Smuggling News Means for Farmers—and Why Plant Pathology Matters  https://t.co/a54NPKgFn7

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

Listen to @UFPlantPath Professor Rosemary Loria discuss citrus greening on the Sustainable Living program from @wmnf radio in Tampa https://t.co/6JVf12bOQo

[MANRRS @NationalMANRRS]

Member Spotlight: Christ Mane Belizaire
https://t.co/4gQ9Q485cz

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

New @UFPlantPath app pulls together 45 years of global plant disease records into one interactive, searchable tool to help growers see where threats are emerging and how they spread.

More on this app developed at @UFIFASftlaudREC 🔗 https://t.co/NqWq3cAdBf

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

.@UF_ABE researchers at @UFGulfCoastREC are training #AI to recognize runners from the ground and sky, to pave the way for machines that could save growers time, labor, and costs

More on this #AIatUF research 🔗 https://t.co/wcgyYh1auP

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

The event, sponsored in part by @ufplantpath, brings together UF researchers from across South Florida, offering a space to present research, share ideas, and build connections that go beyond disciplines.

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

The Everglades Student Association, led by president Vitor Silva De Moura, a plant path graduate student, recently hosted the South Florida Student and Post-doc Research Symposium at the Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade.

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

A paper from @ufplantpath authors was named an editor's pick by Plant Health Progress journal.

The article from lead author Dr. Marcus Marin explores the effect of cover crops on the spread of Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot.

Read more at https://t.co/ogsP1rZEHM.

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

Whether it's your first day of school, or just another day at the office (or lab), welcome to a new semester, Gators!

[I See Dead Plants Podcast @ISDPPodcast]

🧪🌱 New Episode Drop! 🌱🧪
Step into the lab with Dr. Carrie Harmon of @UFPlantPath as we uncover the mysteries behind plant disease diagnostics—from strange symptoms to the science that solves them.
🎧 Listen now: https://t.co/yUHb2rjY1l

#PlantPathology #AgPodcast #PlantHealth #Diagnostics

@ncipmc @CropNetwork @NPDN @plantclinic @ClinicPlant @MUplantclinic @MSUDiagnostics @MizzouIPM @ISU_IPM @ACESedu @UAFExtension @UAZCoopExt @AR_Extension @csuextension @UDExtension @UF_IFAS @UGAExtension @uidahoextension @PurdueExtension @ISUExtension @KStateRE @UKExtension @LSUAgCenter @UMdExtension @MSUExtension @UMNExt @MSUExtService @MUExtension @montanastate @UNLExtension @UNRExtension @UNHExtension @NMextension @ccecornell @NCExtension @NDSUExtension @CFAES_OSU @okstate_ag @OregonStateExt @psuextension @urioutreach @CUESNews @SDSUExtension @txextension @usuextension @VACoopExt @WSUExtension @WVUExtension @UWMadisonExt

[UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department @UFPlantPath]

Congratulations to our Summer 2025 graduates!

Mousami Poudel, Ph.D.
Raquel Hill, Doctor of Plant Medicine

[Christ Mane BELIZAIRE @Chrissiebely]

Had a great time presenting my poster at #PlantHealth2025! Lots of great questions about my findings and next steps. Big thanks to my advisor @turfdrman for stopping by! Poster session open until 11:45 AM HST today🌱✨ @UFPlantPath @plantdisease @ClinicPlant