Page 71 - ORNAMENTALES DEL TRÓPICO

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IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ORNAMENTAL PLANT DISEASE

PROBLEMS

Aaron Palmateer

The ornamental plant industry thrives in south Florida because of the warm, humid environ-

ment that makes Florida a gardener’s paradise and a compatible location to mass produce

numerous species of plants. These ideal conditions are also suitable for the development of a

wide variety of plant pests including pathogenic bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses. Mild

winters in south Florida also facilitate survival of some insects that can spread plant pathogens,

especially viruses.Growers are challenged to develop the most efficient production plan possi-
ble incorporating as many tactics as possible to maximize plant health and minimize opportu-

nities for pest and disease outbreaks.

Eliminating Insect Damage and Abiotic Disorders

The approach to identification of plant health problems is often one of deduction, which is a
line of reasoning based on a process of elimination. One of the first possibilities that a diag-

nostician should consider when confronted with a damaged plant is involvement of insects.

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas