Pathogens in plants can be detrimental to Nebraska crops as well as the surrounding environment, and researchers in plant pathology regularly work to find solutions for these issues. 

The Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is using emerging technology like handheld microscopes, PCR testing, and drone photography to identify and treat diseases in crops.

 This clinic is an extension of the Department of Plant Pathology and provides affordable diagnosis of common ailments for Nebraska crops.

Anne Vidaver, professor emerita in plant pathology at the university, published her predictions for the future of the field in a 2004 article titled “The Accidental Plant Pathologist.” The article included 20 predictions for the year 2025 spanning academia, disease, policy, and technology.  

As 2025 approaches, many initial predictions have come true, but there have also been unprecedented leaps in the technology used in plant pathology that Vidaver could not have anticipated.

Kyle Broderick, coordinator of the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, works with these new developments and continues to identify areas for innovation based on current needs.

Technology Use in Pathogen Diagnosis

One prominent development in minimizing plant diseases is in the use of technology as a diagnostic tool. In 2004, Vidaver predicted: “Use of handheld devices/sensors for field detection and identification of pathogens will be common.”

This prediction has proved to be accurate for the university’s on-campus diagnostic lab.

Broderick is familiar with issues damaging Nebraska crops.

“There are three diseases that can be found in nearly any cornfield in Nebraska in August nearly every year: bacterial leaf streak, gray leaf spot, and northern corn leaf blight,” Broderick said. “All three can look similar but may require different management approaches.”

Broderick confirmed Vidaver’s 2004 prediction that the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic now uses handheld microscopes to diagnose and treat diseases in the field. Handheld devices make it possible to bring diagnostic tools out to an affected field, rather than waiting on mailed in samples.

These devices make it easy to quickly identify common diseases in crops. Catching these diseases early lessens their economic impact in Nebraska agriculture.

“To have a continuous supply of food, it is highly beneficial to have someone who knows not only about how to grow food, but the good and bad microorganisms associated with the crops,” Vidaver said. 

Not all disease mitigation strategies require technological advancements.

For example, farmers suspecting a harmful pathogen in their crops can simply fill out a form and send in a sample of the affected plant to the clinic and receive results within 5 days of submission. This form can be found at go.unl.edu/plantclinic.

This service provides a simple method for farmers across the state to receive quick diagnostic answers. Once samples are received, researchers at the clinic use strategies like microscopy, PCR technology, and symptomology to identify issues.

Additionally, Broderick said the clinic tracks pathogen appearances to notify farmers of transmissible diseases in nearby fields.

Drone Technology in Agriculture

Because Vidaver’s predictions were in 2004, some technological advancements could not have been predicted – one being drone technology.

Her original article anticipated advancements in technology would allow for increased speed and accuracy in diagnosing issues with crops, but did not anticipate exactly what technology would assist in this progression.

One way this prediction has been fulfilled is through the use of drones in diagnosis.

 “Drones allow for better and faster disease detection,” Broderick said. “It is difficult to reach the middle of a cornfield at the end of July in Nebraska, but drones make this task significantly easier and cheaper.”

Broderick explained how variations in fields' color can indicate a disease presence in a crop. By looking from above, it is much easier to see if sections of a field lack color, which can quickly identify a starting point for further testing. 

Vidaver elaborated that drones are also being used to deliver pesticides and biocontrol organisms to specific locations.

Plant Pathology in the Future

Looking towards the future, plant pathology only becomes more important. A changing climate can lead to new and unprecedented diseases threatening crops across the world.

Vidaver predicted climate change will mean more microorganisms with the potential to harm crops, stating “New and reemerging disease problems will continue to be with us, and climate changes will play a role in disease problem emergence.” 

“The severity of climate changes is still unclear, but with the melting of glaciers, microorganisms that have been frozen for thousands of years may be able to reproduce,” Vidaver said. “These microorganisms may be beneficial, detrimental, or innocuous – no one truly knows.”

However, this could mean diseases once thought to be eradicated could reemerge.

Climate change research is still developing, but the impact it has on agriculture has already begun. Plant pathologists are prepared to face the agricultural challenges that will arise from a warming planet and more frequent and prolonged adverse environmental conditions.

 “As long as we have plants, there is a need for people to work to keep them as healthy as possible,” Vidaver said.

Vidaver founded the Doctorate of Plant Health at the university – one of only two in the United States teaching students to approach plant health holistically. In this program, students learn about both harmful and helpful microorganisms and their impact on the health of crops. 

To learn more about recent projects in the plant pathology department, visit https://plantpathology.unl.edu/

Key Takeaways:

1. Diseases in plants can be detrimental to Nebraska crops and researchers in plant pathology continually work to find solutions for these issues. 
2. The Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now using emerging technology like handheld microscopes, PCR testing, and drone technology to identify and treat diseases in crops.
3. Predictions for the future of plant pathology were published in a 2004 article including 20 predictions for the year 2025 spanning academia, disease, policy, and technology.
4. Many of the initial predictions have come true, like the use of innovative devices and climate change concerns), but there have also been unprecedented and exciting leaps in the technology used in the field of plant pathology that could not have been anticipated.
5. To learn more about recent projects in the plant pathology department, visit https://plantpathology.unl.edu/