Plant Pathogen Lettuce Downy Mildew: Dr. Kelsey Wood

Joyful Microbe

Have you ever noticed little white fluffy spots or yellowish patches on your lettuce at the grocery store? This could be downy mildew, a microbe that infects lettuce and other leafy greens.

This microbe might not be well-known, but it's of great importance due to its effects on the agriculture industry and the food we buy. It poses a significant challenge for farmers by potentially wiping out entire crops. If we unknowingly purchase lettuce or herbs infected with downy mildew from the organic section, we might end up with unappealing produce.

Understanding downy mildew can help us make informed choices at the store and gain insight into the challenges faced by farmers in controlling this pathogen.

So, in this episode we'll learn about downy mildew from plant pathology researcher Dr. Kelsey Wood. She'll explain what this organism is, how to identify it, and the latest research aiming to control it in a more sustainable way. We'll also cover its life cycle, genetics, and impacts on agriculture. Tune in to discover this intriguing plant pathogen.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What downy mildew is and its life cycle
• Why downy mildew is not a fungus
• How downy mildew spreads
• Downy mildew’s impact on agriculture
• Spotting downy mildew in your local grocery store
• Discovering a highly resistant lettuce variety
• At-home microbiology activities: grocery store hunt and vinegar wash experiment

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