Houseplants improve our mental and physical well-being, productivity, and enhance the overall appearance of a space. Unfortunately foliage plants are often attacked by pests and pathogens which can negatively impact their health and appearance. As a Botany major and student worker on the Middletown campus, I began taking care of the plant maintenance in the greenhouse and academic buildings in January 2020. The plants in the buildings improve morale of students and faculty, and are used in the biology courses on campus. I became interested in plant pathology and started an independent research project in Fall 2021. My project centered around identifying the plant pests and pathogens present on campus, researching their life cycle and developing a management strategy. Pests identified included four species of mealybug- Long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri), Obscure mealybug, (Pseudococcus viburni) and Vryburgia sp. Soft brown scale (Coccus hesperidum), two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, and fungus gnats (species unknown) were also identified. Pathogen identification was performed by collecting and dissecting infested samples and observing with a dissecting microscope, or in situ, with a macro lens attachment for a phone camera. Using IPM (Integrative Pest Management), I used a series of different preventive, mechanical, and chemical control methods and the pest populations have declined significantly. Pest and pathogen outbreaks are an issue in greenhouse and outdoor settings all over the world. Plant Pathology is a career of interest of mine, and seeing the positive effects of the management plan I developed for the Middletown campus has solidified my interest and appreciation for this field.
Author(s): Haley Melton, Botany Major
Advisor(s): Carolyn Keiffer, Department of Biology
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