Plant Pathologists to Present the Latest Plant Disease Research in Austin, Texas

5/12/2005 9:35:00 AM

To: National Desk, Science Reporter, Agriculture Reporter

Contact: Amy Steigman of the American Phytopathological Society, 651-454-7250 or asteigman@..., Web: http://meeting.apsnet.org/default.cfm

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 12 /U.S. Newswire/ -- On July 30 - August 3, 2005, thousands of plant pathologists (plant disease experts) from across the world will gather at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas for the 2005 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Annual Meeting. The meeting's technical program includes symposia, discussions, and contributed paper sessions covering all areas of plant pathology. Events of special note include:

Hot issues update -- The Annual Update of Priority National Regulatory Issues symposium will offer the latest information on plant diseases that have had a significant public and environmental impact, including citrus canker, bacterial wilt, plum pox, soybean rust, and sudden oak death. A news conference based on this information will be held Monday, August 1.

What's really making you sick? -- Presentations at the Identification of Fungi Involved in Sick Building Syndrome workshop will provide the latest information on building inspections, sampling techniques, mold growth areas, common misconceptions, building construction, industry standards, legal issues, and possible solutions.

Soybean Rust in the U.S. -- In response to the emergence of soybean rust in the U.S., the APS annual meeting will offer an opportunity to learn more about this disease. The Responses to Soybean Rust in the U.S. symposium will discuss current research on the overwintering and movement of soybean rust, sentinel plot monitoring results, and the latest information on host plant resistance and chemical control.

Can fungi control plant diseases? -- Endophytes, fungi that grow inside plants, appear to have co-evolved with their plant host where the association is mutually beneficial to both. Recent research indicates that some of these benefits relate to the suppression of plant diseases and other stresses. More on this emerging research area will be presented in the Endophytes: An Emerging Tool for Biological Control symposium.

Under the sea: A look at aquatic plant diseases -- The Aquatic Plant Pathology symposium will address the biology, ecology, and control of aquatic plant diseases in freshwater and marine environments. Many aquatic plants possess unique mechanisms of resistance to microbial attack. This symposium will present how the knowledge of these mechanisms might be applied to land-based agricultural systems.

Members of the media are extended complimentary registration to the annual meeting. To register, contact Amy Steigman at asteigman@... or 651-994-3802. The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional scientific organization. The research of the organization's 5,000 worldwide members advances the understanding of the science of plant pathology and its application to plant health.

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