Enhancing Plant Disease Diagnostic Skills . . .

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Enhancing Plant Disease Diagnostic Skills . . .

• to build a stronger partnership between
  Specialists, Agents and Growers

P. Bachi and J. Beale, Diagnosticians J.
Hartman, D. Hershman, W. Nesmith, and P.
Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologists Plant
Pathology Department, University of Kentucky
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Diagnosis is . . . Hypothesis-testing
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Think of each diagnosis as a research project.

1. Examine samples and gather information
2. Formulate hypothesis
3. Test hypothesis
4. Accept or reject hypothesis based on results

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Examine samples and gather information to
formulate hypothesis.
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Test hypothesis.
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Diagnostic Rule Do make the diagnosis fit the
symptoms (evidence) Dont make the symptoms
(evidence) fit the diagnosis.
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Diagnostic Rule Correlation is not
causation. or Just because its there now,
doesnt mean it caused the problem.
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Diagnostic Rule Know when you know know when
you dont know. Bill Nesmith
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How can we work better as partners?

• Specialists and Diagnosticians
• Stay focused on the science
• - Timely diagnosis and reporting
• - New initiatives for greater efficiency
• - Education vs. service?

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How can we work better as partners?

• County Extension Agents
• Key in Detection
• - Eyes and ears
• - Critical link between local community
• lab/specialists
• - Rapport with public

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Diagnostic Initiatives for 2003 and Beyond -
Real-time PCR - Digital Consulting System
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Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• The most important technique in molecular biology
• Amplifies specific DNA sequence exponentially, by
  chain reaction

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Real Time PCR

• Learn results of PCR test in real time
• As a diagnostic technology, it is remarkably
• Rapid
• Sensitive
• Specific

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Smart Cycler Real Time PCR Machine
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Smart Cycler Real Time PCR Machine
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Anticipated Diagnostic Applications in the near
term

• Pierces disease of grape
• Bacterial spot of pepper and tomato
• Detection of pathogen species and race
• Bacterial speck of tomato
• Bacterial wilt of tomato and tobacco
• Bacterial canker of tomato

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Anticipated Diagnostic Applications in the near
term (contd)

• Bacterial wilt of cucurbits
• Yellow vine decline of cucurbits
• Verticillium wilt of woody ornamentals
• Spring dead spot of bermudagrass