In-Depth Guide to Plant Disease Diagnosis and Management with Dr. Jean Williams-Woodward
In this talk, Dr. Jean Williams-Woodward, an extension plant pathologist from the University of Georgia, shares her insights on plant disease diagnosis and management. With 25 years of experience, she covers the importance of preventative measures, cultural controls, and the use of resistant cultivars. Dr. Woodward also discusses various common plant diseases such as powdery mildew, root diseases caused by Phytophthora, and laurel wilt, along with their identification and treatment methods. Her expertise provides valuable information for anyone involved in commercial greenhouses, nurseries, landscapes, and forestry.
00:00 Introduction and Speaker Introduction
01:11 Opening Remarks and Presentation Setup
01:20 Understanding Disease Management
06:02 Approaches to Disease Control
10:44 Current Disease Concerns
16:00 Root Diseases in Landscapes
24:58 Leaf Spot Diseases
34:44 Needle Blight on Evergreens
40:59 Laurel Wilt: A Growing Threat
51:06 Boxwood Blight and Conclusion
Dr. Jean Williams-Woodward, an extension plant pathologist at the University of Georgia, presented on disease management in ornamental plants, emphasizing preventive measures. Reactive treatments are often ineffective once a disease has visibly affected a plant, as fungicides cannot reverse existing damage but can only protect new growth. Dr. Williams-Woodward highlighted the importance of using resistant cultivars, proper cultural practices, and sanitation to manage diseases. She discussed specific diseases such as southern blight, phytophthora root rot, laurel wilt, and boxwood blight, providing strategies for their control.
The presentation also underscored the significance of accurate disease diagnosis and understanding the timing of infections. Environmental conditions, particularly warm and humid weather, were noted as critical factors that increase disease prevalence. The talk concluded with a focus on the limitations of fungicides and the necessity of ongoing management practices to keep ornamental plants healthy.