@UFPlantPath

Dedicated to supporting plant health through research in plant and pathogen genetics, plant-microbe interactions, epidemiology, and smart agriculture.

 Gainesville, FL, USA
plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/
Joined July 2016
  • Tweets939
  • Following715
  • Followers3.1K
88Media
UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
Samuel Martins@samjmartinsSep 30
Excited to share our new paper: Dysbiotic microbiomes and the collapse of plant health! We explored how microbial imbalances disrupt plant immunity & nutrient acquisition, drawing parallels to the human gut microbiome. Now available in @TrendsMicrobiol: lnkd.in/euSnN8fj
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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
USUNRome
@USUNRomeAug 26
Ambassador Blanchard reflects on her recent visits to @ClemsonUniv, @AuburnU, @UF & @TAMU. America's great land grant universities lead in agricultural innovation and food security research that aligns with the mission of @FAO, @WFP & @IFAD. 🇺🇸U.S. academic excellence strengthens global efforts to end hunger and build resilient food systems. #LandGrantUniversities #Aginnovation #FoodSecurity
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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
USUNRome
@USUNRomeJul 31
Ambassador Blanchard: "It's a small world! @UF President Dr. Stuart Bell came to Florida from the University of Alabama, where he did great work improving student graduation rates and increasing sponsored programs. Now he is on a mission to do the same at Florida's world class agriculture programs, @ufhorticulture and @ufplantpath, from which we will all benefit. As ya'll already know, all good things start in Alabama... Go 'Gators!"
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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF IFAS
@UF_IFASJul 30
Thank you, Ambassador Lynda Blanchard (@USUNRome), for visiting @ufhorticulture and @ufplantpath facilities and exploring how we're applying #AIatUF to plant science to address global food challenges.
A laboratory setting with Ambassador Lynda Blanchard wearing white lab coats and blue gloves using pipettes. Shelves with labeled boxes are in the background.

ALT A laboratory setting with Ambassador Lynda Blanchard wearing white lab coats and blue gloves using pipettes. Shelves with labeled boxes are in the background.

Ambassador Lynda Blanchard listens to a researcher in a lab

ALT Ambassador Lynda Blanchard listens to a researcher in a lab

Ambassador Lynda Blanchard smiles and holds a blueberry while getting her image taken.

ALT Ambassador Lynda Blanchard smiles and holds a blueberry while getting her image taken.

Ambassador Lynda Blanchard and 3 individuals walk behind a four-wheeled robotic machine on a pathway surrounded by greenery. The sidewalk leads towards a building partially visible in the background.

ALT Ambassador Lynda Blanchard and 3 individuals walk behind a four-wheeled robotic machine on a pathway surrounded by greenery. The sidewalk leads towards a building partially visible in the background.

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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF IFAS
@UF_IFASMay 21
.@UFPlantPath at @UFGulfCoastREC recently detected Fusarium wilt in strawberry fields across Florida and several East Coast states. The disease can survive in soil for years and is difficult to control. Using rapid molecular testing, our scientists can provide preliminary diagnoses within 24 to 48 hours, helping growers protect crops before diseases spread further. Learn more 🔗 tr.ee/SVTNzHM241
The image is split into two sections. On the left, Marcus Marin examines a sample under a microscope in a laboratory setting. On the right, Natalia Peres inspects strawberry plants in a field. The text reads, "Strawberry producers nationwide rely on UF/IFAS plant pathologists" followed by the logo "UF IFAS University of Florida.

ALT The image is split into two sections. On the left, Marcus Marin examines a sample under a microscope in a laboratory setting. On the right, Natalia Peres inspects strawberry plants in a field. The text reads, "Strawberry producers nationwide rely on UF/IFAS plant pathologists" followed by the logo "UF IFAS University of Florida.

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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF IFAS
@UF_IFASMay 13
A predicted El Niño could create challenging conditions for Florida strawberries this season. @UF_ABE-@UFPlantPath research found wetter, cooler El Niño years increase Botrytis disease risk across major growing regions, while tools like the Strawberry Advisory System help growers respond more efficiently. To learn more, click the link tr.ee/SwIFFpv3vs
A collage featuring a highlighted dictionary definition of "El Niño," a crate of strawberries, and Vinicius Cerbaro in an inset circle labeled UF IFAS. The text below states a projected disease risk to Florida's strawberry industry due to El Niño, with mention of hope. At the bottom, the University of Florida IFAS logo is visible.

ALT A collage featuring a highlighted dictionary definition of "El Niño," a crate of strawberries, and Vinicius Cerbaro in an inset circle labeled UF IFAS. The text below states a projected disease risk to Florida's strawberry industry due to El Niño, with mention of hope. At the bottom, the University of Florida IFAS logo is visible.

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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF IFAS
@UF_IFASMay 6
.@UFPlantPath Researchers used DNA analyses to show blotch isn’t one pathogen—it’s a multi-species bacterial complex, helping explain inconsistent control results. Learn what’s next for diagnostics & sustainable management 🔗 tr.ee/Hf3wz0VPVk
Caption here: Ph.D. student Sameerika Mudiyanselage (left) and her advisor Samuel Martins (right) sampling mushrooms with bacterial blotch symptoms in a mushroom farm in the Southern United States. Photo credit: UF/IFAS Samuel Martins Text overlays read: "DNA analyses uncover what is hiding under the cap plaguing the white button mushroom industry." Along with the IFAS logo

ALT Caption here: Ph.D. student Sameerika Mudiyanselage (left) and her advisor Samuel Martins (right) sampling mushrooms with bacterial blotch symptoms in a mushroom farm in the Southern United States. Photo credit: UF/IFAS Samuel Martins Text overlays read: "DNA analyses uncover what is hiding under the cap plaguing the white button mushroom industry." Along with the IFAS logo

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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF Innovate | Tech Licensing@UFOTLJan 20
Black pod disease threatens cacao yields worldwide. @UFPlantPath researchers developed a dual-genome model that links cacao and pathogen genetics to speed the identification of disease-resistant varieties and boost breeding efforts. ⭐ License this tech: ufinnovate.technologypublish…
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Congrats to our Fall 2025 grads! Mariana Herrera Corzo, Doctor of Philosophy Beatriz de Toledo Franceschi, Doctor of Philosophy Ketsira Pierre, Doctor of Philosophy Alec Dunker, Doctor of Plant Medicine Rana Elessawy, Master of Science Jorge Santiago Vazquez, Master of Science
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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF IFAS
@UF_IFAS7 Oct 2025
National Plant Diagnostic Network's seal of approval confirms that Florida farmers can expect "gold star quality" results from @UFPlantPath scientists. More on this history-making accreditation ➡️ bit.ly/4gW3VtM
Signboard of the University of Florida IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center in front of the building. The bottom reads, "UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center earns national accreditation - a first for U.S. universities."

ALT Signboard of the University of Florida IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center in front of the building. The bottom reads, "UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center earns national accreditation - a first for U.S. universities."

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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology is actively recruiting for several highly competitive Graduate Assistantships for Fall 2026. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. For more information, visit go.ufl.edu/plp-apply
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From @UFPlantPath student Amanda McVay
USA TODAY Opinion@usatodayopinion27 Aug 2025
Opinion: I traded debt for dirt. America needs more students who'll do the same. | Opinion usatoday.com/story/opinion/v…

I traded debt for dirt. America needs more students who'll do the same. | Opinion

If we want a secure food supply, a resilient environment and a strong rural economy, we need to put agriculture back on the map as a career.

usatoday.com
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What the Alleged Plant Pathogen Smuggling News Means for Farmers—and Why Plant Pathology Matters  morningagclips.com/what-the-…
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Listen to @UFPlantPath Professor Rosemary Loria discuss citrus greening on the Sustainable Living program from @wmnf radio in Tampa wmnf.org/citrus-greening-wit…
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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
MANRRS@NationalMANRRS29 Aug 2025
Member Spotlight: Christ Mane Belizaire hubs.ly/Q03GfqM30

Member Spotlight: Christ Mane Belizaire

Christ Mane Belizaire’s story reflects the heart of MANRRS.

blog.manrrs.org
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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF IFAS
@UF_IFAS9 Sep 2025
New @UFPlantPath app pulls together 45 years of global plant disease records into one interactive, searchable tool to help growers see where threats are emerging and how they spread. More on this app developed at @UFIFASftlaudREC 🔗 go.ufl.edu/h7pr5af
A person examines an agricultural app displaying a red spot on a globe, while an inset image shows another individual investigating crops outdoors. Text reads "A new app helps detect crop threats globally." University of Florida IFAS logo displayed.

ALT A person examines an agricultural app displaying a red spot on a globe, while an inset image shows another individual investigating crops outdoors. Text reads "A new app helps detect crop threats globally." University of Florida IFAS logo displayed.

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UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department retweeted
UF IFAS
@UF_IFAS29 Aug 2025
.@UF_ABE researchers at @UFGulfCoastREC are training #AI to recognize runners from the ground and sky, to pave the way for machines that could save growers time, labor, and costs More on this #AIatUF research 🔗 go.ufl.edu/aistrawberry
Researcher inspecting strawberry plants in a hydroponic system, with text stating "How AI could bring further efficiency to strawberry growers" and the logo of the University of Florida IFAS.

ALT Researcher inspecting strawberry plants in a hydroponic system, with text stating "How AI could bring further efficiency to strawberry growers" and the logo of the University of Florida IFAS.

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The Everglades Student Association, led by president Vitor Silva De Moura, a plant path graduate student, recently hosted the South Florida Student and Post-doc Research Symposium at the Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade.
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The event, sponsored in part by @ufplantpath, brings together UF researchers from across South Florida, offering a space to present research, share ideas, and build connections that go beyond disciplines.
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A paper from @ufplantpath authors was named an editor's pick by Plant Health Progress journal. The article from lead author Dr. Marcus Marin explores the effect of cover crops on the spread of Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot. Read more at loom.ly/NzuaTFE.
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