Cover cropping attenuates population growth of by limiting weed biomass, despite asymptomatic colonization of cover crops.

is a fungus that causes charcoal rot in strawberry and a wide variety of crop species. Little is known about its potential to asymptomatically colonize crop plants or grow saprophytically on their tissues, both of which would create a potential for alternate, asymptomatic hosts to lead to increases in inoculum. To test the impact of cover cropping on abundance, we conducted randomized-block field experiments in soils infested by .

Transcription factor VdCmr1 is required for pigment production, protection from UV irradiation, and regulates expression of melanin biosynthetic genes in Verticillium dahliae.

Verticillium dahliae is a soilborne fungus that causes vascular wilt diseases on numerous plant species worldwide. The production of darkly melanized microsclerotia is crucial in the disease cycle of V. dahliae, as these structures allow for long-term survival in soil.

Host Genotype and Hypersensitive Reaction Influence Population Levels of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians in Lettuce.

Dynamics of population sizes of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians inoculated onto or into lettuce leaves were monitored on susceptible and resistant cultivars. In general, population growth was greater for susceptible (Clemente, Salinas 88, Vista Verde) than resistant (Batavia Reine des Glaces, Iceberg, Little Gem) cultivars.

Novel primers and PCR protocols for the specific detection and quantification of Sphingobium suberifaciens in situ.

The pathogen causing corky root on lettuce, Sphingobium suberifaciens, is recalcitrant to standard epidemiological methods. Primers were developed from 16S rDNA sequences to be useful for the specific detection and quantification of S. suberifaciens.