Branch Out No Plants No Food
6 snips
Jun 13, 2018 Dr. Ed Liu, an expert in plant diseases at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, takes listeners on a captivating journey into the world of plant pathology. Discover the detective work needed to diagnose issues like trunk rot. Dive into the microscopic realm of fungi, examining intriguing samples under a microscope. Liu highlights the significance of fungi in ecosystems and the role of DNA technology in identifying plant diseases affecting our food crops. His passion for these tiny yet impactful organisms is infectious!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Plant Disease Diagnosis
- Plant diseases cause billions in crop losses yearly, making early identification crucial.
- Diagnosing plant problems involves a CSI-like approach, considering various factors beyond diseases.
The Motorbike Exhaust Mystery
- A dying hedge wasn't caused by disease, insects, or chemicals, but by a motorbike's exhaust.
- This highlights the importance of thorough investigation in plant diagnostics.
Quino and Trunk Rot
- White ooze on a plant, like quino, can be a secondary effect of stress, not the root problem.
- Trunk rot, indicated by internal discoloration, is a more serious underlying issue.