The 73rd meeting of the regional NJDelMarVaPa Plant Pathologists was held March 6th in Newark, at the University of Delaware. Hosted by Nancy Gregory this year, the group has been meeting yearly to present research results, discuss new detections of plant diseases, and share Clinic reports. It also serves as a place for graduate students to practice for American Phytopathological Society talks to be given at regional meetings. This casual meeting is always a great chance to meet and discuss with regional colleagues.
NFG 3/17/2018
Tag: Plant Pathology
72nd Meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa Plant Pathologists
Tuesday March 7, 2017 was the 72nd meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa plant 
pathology group, held at the University of Delaware. We had a good meeting and some lively discussions! Student work was presented, as well as research and disease updates from regional colleagues. This casual meeting is one of the best regional opportunities for networking and updates.
NFG 3/12/2017
pathology group, held at the University of Delaware. We had a good meeting and some lively discussions! Student work was presented, as well as research and disease updates from regional colleagues. This casual meeting is one of the best regional opportunities for networking and updates.NFG 3/12/2017
71st Meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa Extension Plant Pathologists
The 71st annual meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa Plant Pathologists was held March 1, 2016, 
at the University of Delaware. It was hosted this year by Nancy Gregory and Nathan Kleczewski, and serves as a regional update for colleagues and for networking, and is also an opportunity for students to present work. Attendees included Cooperative Extension personnel from DE, MD, VA and PA, and pathologists from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Information was presented on new and notable plant diseases, diagnostics, and field trials.
N Gregory 3/3/16
2014 Regional Meeting of Plant Pathologists
The 69th annual meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa Plant Pathologists was held April 1, 2014, at the University of Delaware.. The informal gathering was hosted this year by Nancy Gregory and Nathan Kleczewski, and serves as a regional update for colleagues and for networking. Attendees included Cooperative Extension personnel, and pathologists from state Departments of Agriculture and from USDA ARS. Information was presented on plant diseases, diagnostics, and field trials.
Phytophthora Root Rot in Flooded Soils
Phytophthora root rot, a soil borne disease caused by a fungus-like organism, is a widespread problem which can affect many of our woody and herbaceous landscape plants. Azaleas, hollies, and rhododendron are probably the most frequently affected plant group in the landscape, especially in wet soils. Submit a sample including roots to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic and we can confirm what the problem is. Don't continue replanting with susceptible hosts. Increase drainage and plant a more resistant shrub or tree. The best control for Phytophthora is to avoid getting it started in the first place. Phytophthora is favored by planting susceptible species and cultivars in poorly drained soils, or by overwatering even in sites with adequate drainage. Once a Phytophthora problem is established in a landscape site, the best option is probably to remove the affected plants and replace with resistant species. Some possibilities include Ilex glabra (inkberry holly), Clethra alnifolia (summersweet), Itea sp (sweetspire), Physocarpus opufoliius (Eastern ninebark), and Leucothoe fontanesiana. Examples suggested by extension agents in North Carolina include nandina, Chinese holly (cultivars including 'Rotunda', 'Dwarf Burford' and 'Carissa'), liriope, Indian hawthorn, and Camellia sasanqua cultivars (Camellia japonica is susceptible). The rhododendron hybrids: Caroline, Martha Isaacson, Professor Hugo de Vries and Red Head are considered resistant. In addition, the azalea cultivars 'Formosa', 'Fred Cochran', 'Fakir' and 'Corrine Murrah' are considered highly resistant. Other resistant azalea cultivars include Rhododendron poukhanese, Formosa, Fakir and Corrine Murrah, 'Merlin', 'Hampton Beauty', 'Higasa', 'Pink Gumpo' and 'Delaware Valley'. Susceptible cultivars include 'White Gumpo', 'Hinodegiri', 'Hershey Red', 'Coral Bells', 'Pink Pearl' and 'Hino Crimson'. Susceptible cultivars are also among the most widely planted. Camellia sasanqua is resistant to root rot while C. japonica is highly susceptible. Keep in mind that resistant hybrids are not immune. Chemical control is generally not practical for the homeowner, and involves a drench or injection by a certified applicator.
NFG 7/1/2013
Boxwood Blight Confirmed in Delaware
Boxwood blight caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum was confirmed in a retail nursery in Delaware on June 19, 2013.
Boxwood blight was first identified in the U.K. in 1994 and then in the U.S. in October of 2011. The disease has been identified in nurseries and landscapes on boxwood and pachysandra. It has been confirmed in NC, CT, VA, RI, MD, MA, OR, NY, PA, OH, and Delaware. It was identified in the UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic in 2012, but came from plants in Maryland. In June of 2013, boxwood blight was identified in a retail nursery in Delaware.
See the new fact sheet from University of Delaware Cooperative Extension at: http://extension.udel.edu/factsheet/boxwood-blight-caused-by-the-fungus-cylindrocladium-pseudonaviculatum/
See the links below from American Nursery and Landscape Association and Connecticut Agricultural Expt Station:
http://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=3756&q=500388
68th Meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa Plant Pathologists
The 68th annual meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa Extension Plant Pathologists was held in at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE on March 21, 2013. The one day meeting has been held at the University of Delaware for all of its 68 years, and was hosted this year by Nancy Gregory. The meeting has traditionally been a day to share field trial results, interesting plant disease reports, and to allow graduate students to present research to a small group. It has always been a chance for regional Extension professionals to network and interact on a day filled with scientific presentations and good conversation.
Users of the UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic
Results of the short survey we passed out at the recent DNLA Landscape and Turf Conference.
79 surveys were completed, out of approximately 120 persons in attendance (66%):
65% were aware of the UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic
48% were aware of the services offered by the UDPDC
20% utilized the services by submitting a sample
50 % of submitters (10% of overall surveys) submitted more than one sample.
Many lawn and landscape professionals do not know about the Clinic. If they do, they often contact the county offices to submit a sample (which is absolutely fine). Many submitters are repeat submitters!