Diagnosing plant abnormality

Establishment of plants are affected by many biotic agents and abiotic disorders. Major biotic agents include pathogens, animal pests (insects and mites), and weeds. Major pathogen groups are fungi and oomycetes, prokaryotes (mostly bacteria), viruses and viroids, and nematodes. Abiotic disorders are caused by temperature, moisture, light, lack of oxygen, air pollution, nutrient (deficiency and excessive toxicity), soil pH, pesticides, and unsuitable cultural practices. My presentation will focus on diagnosing abnormalities of plants caused by pathogens and abiotic disorders that affect plant biology and stand establishment. Accurate diagnosing the incitant of plant abnormalities is the most important step for effective protection of plants. Symptoms and signs caused by the different groups of incitant of plant abnormalities will be discussed. Field and laboratory diagnosis of plant abnormalities will be presented. Using the classical methods and molecular tools for accurate identification of the causals of plant abnormalities will be explained. In the developed countries, plant clinics have been established for accurate diagnosing of plant abnormalities, while in most of the developing countries no plant clinics exist. More than 30% of plants and plant products in the developing countries are lost because accurate identification of the causal agents is not determined, so no effective practices for protection of plants against the causal agents are applicable. Attempts will be made to describe benefits of establishing plant clinics in the developing countries, and how it can be easily set up. I will share my observations and experiences in more than 40 developed and developing countries for diagnosing plant abnormalities