more... > Departments > Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology > [image: Plant Pathology ] The Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology is recognized nationally and internationally for applied and basic research on economically important agricultural crops. Climactic conditions in Louisiana allow cultivation of and research on semitropical crop species such as rice, sugarcane, cotton, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. Through our extension services, we conduct research and assist Louisiana farmers in the management and control of plant disease. Our graduate program presents students the opportunity to work with Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station personnel who conduct investigations in areas of plant pathology, crop physiology and plant molecular biology. M.S. and Ph.D. graduates of the department are prepared for challenging careers in agricultural research at universities, governmental and private agencies. 302 Life Sciences Bldg · Baton Rouge, LA · 70803 Phone: (225) 578-1464 · Fax: (225) 578-1415 Undergraduate Curriculum Plant and Soil Systems (Agricultural Pest Management Area) The curriculum in plant and soil systems consolidates the curricula for the departments of Agronomy, Entomology, Horticulture and Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology. Graduate Studies in Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology Graduate Program Overview Nematode Assay Form [Image: Root-knot nematode damage.] Nematode assay form is now available as a fill-in form. It should be included with all samples submitted for nematode analysis. Submitting Plant Specimens for Diagnosis [Image: Herbaceous speciment with roots wrapped in a plastic bag to retain moisture.] Submitting plant specimens for disease diagnosis is specific for different groups of plants. This is a short guide on proper submission of herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and turf samples.  more articles... County Extension Agent Training 2008 [Image: Training] The LSU AgCenter extension personnel associated with the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic and the Nematode Advisory Service conducted a 2-day training session for county extension agents on August 19-20, 2008. Twenty-one county agents attended the training session, which, focused on various aspects of plant disease diagnosis.Dr. Lawrence Datnoff, head of the Department of Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology, and Dr. Bobby Fletcher, Jr., Assistant Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Mole Crickets [Image: Mole Crickets] Mole crickets cause millions of dollars in turf and grass damage each year. Their burrowing in the soil breaks up the soil and causes roots to dry out. Identification, life cycle and control included. Plant Disease Submission Form for General Public [Image: Submission Form] Provide all the information required on Plant Disease Submission Form for rapid and accurate diagnosis of plant health problems. Completed form must accompany the sample submitted to Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for diagnosis. Get the Facts about Citrus Greening (or Huanglongbing) [Image: citrus greening] Citrus greening is one of the most serious citrus diseases, and a pest responsible for spreading it has now been found in Louisiana. Information on what to look for and where to look, what plants are preferred by the disease and where to report suspected disease symptoms or insect sightings. Citrus Greening (or Huanglongbing) Identification Card [Image: citrus greening] Identification of citrus greening and the Asian citrus psyllid. How To Submit A Sample [Image: Collecting material for disease diagnostic identification.] Submitting a proper sample with as much information as possible is extremely important in diagnosing disease. Collected sample should be mailed immediately to prevent drying and development of secondary pathogens. Nematode Management in Louisiana Sweet Potato Production [Image: nematodes in sweet potatoes] Plant-parasitic nematodes can damage plants in many ways and are considered to be a serious threat to sweet potato production in Louisiana. This publication describes problematic nematode species and management strategies available for these pests. Louisiana Plant Pathology: Southern Root-knot Nematode on Vegetables [Image: southern root-knot nematode] The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a widespread problem in Louisiana. This pest favors the soils where most vegetables are produced and has been found in about 25 percent of the vegetable gardens in our state. This nematode can be extremely damaging to some crops and causes severe losses. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot of Sweet Potato [Image: sweet potatoes] Sclerotium rolfsii is a soilborne fungus that causes southern blight on a wide variety of plants. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl [Image: tomato yellow leaf curl] Tomato yellow leaf curl is a relatively new whitefly-transmitted virus disease of tomatoes in the United States. It was first observed in South Florida in 1997 and has since spread throughout much of the Southeast, including Louisiana where it was first observed in 2000. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of this disease of tomatoes. (PDF Format Only)