The Subtropical Plant Pathology Unit conducts research on bacterial, fungal, nematode, and viral diseases of citrus, vegetables, ornamental, and subtropical crops. research provides information for the improvement of crop production and to protect citrus from exotic diseases that threaten the U. S. citrus industry. Areas of specific Research include:

                         Development of rapid, practical and economical methods of:

      Pathogen Identification

      Disease Characterization

      Quantitative and Qualitative disease epidemiology and pathos's modeling

      Biological control of diseases

      Physiological characterization of host-parasite interactions

      Germplasm improvement for disease resistance

      Development of alternatives to methyl bromide for control of soil-borne pathogens and pests.

Major disease problems of citrus addressed by the unit are citrus tristeza, citrus blight, citrus canker, Phytophthora, nematodes, foliar fungal and bacterial diseases, virus and viroid diseases, and exotic virus and fastidious diseases. Research on biologically based alternatives to methyl bromide for control for soil-borne diseases, weeds, and nematodes affecting vegetables is also addressed.