Topics in Subtropics

Individual microbes often have defined relationships with their hosts that include beneficial, commensal, and pathogenic interactions.

For anyone trying to figure out what sort of critter is causing damage to their farm, garden, home or park, the University of California Statewide IPM Program has an online tool that can help.

Huanglongbing (HLB) and its causal agent Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) are a serious problem for the US citrus industry, with Florida and Texas already heavily affected, and California at an early stage.

Nov 30 Figs, like many other fresh fruit, suffer from postharvest loss due to fungal pathogens and shrivel. Leili Afsah Hejri, a scientist working in food safety, has been examining the use of ozone as a post-harvest treatment for sanitation as well as improving fruit quality.

Citrus greening, or Huanglongbing disease, HLB, is the most devastating disease for orange and grapefruit trees in the U.S. Prevention and treatment methods have proven elusive, and a definitive cure does not exist.