Plant Diseases

Plant diseases affect many of the crops we grow and the ornamental plants in landscapes that we enjoy in Delaware.  Plant Pathology is the study of plant disease and the control of plant diseases. Plants get sick due to fungal, bacterial, and viral infections, and are affected by plant pathogenic nematodes (small soil worms).  Plant health may be greatly influenced by environmental or weather stresses that may make plants more susceptible to diseases and disorders.  Early, accurate diagnosis of plant diseases is a key way to prevent or reduce crop loss or loss of favorite ornamental plantings. Prevention of plant disease is always best, and many control strategies are available to help prevent or reduce problems.