Countering the Threat of Bioterrorism in Iowa

One of the basic tenets of plant biosecurity is that the presence, actual or predicted distribution, intensity, and economic impact of any yield-reducing factor(s) must be known. The development of a real-time, GIS-based (geographic information system) reporting system for new and emerging agricultural pathogens and pests is extremely relevant in the era of agricultural bioterrorism. The goal is to establish a real-time, GIS database network to report, monitor, map (temporally and spatially), and predict the spread of new and emerging plant diseases and pests. This database network can also be used to geospatially and temporally monitor endemic pathogens/pests. Diagnostic records from the Regional Diagnostic Centers coupled with remote sensing, GIS, GPS, atmospheric transport models, and weather-based GIS risk prediction models, offers an integrated system of technologies to help ensure the production of a safe and affordable US food supply

Severe risk for Stewart\u27s disease

Stewart\u27s disease of corn, also known as Stewart\u27s wilt, is caused by the bacterium Pantoea stewartii. The 2000 growing season is predicted to be a very severe year for this disease, largely because of six successive winters with above-average monthly temperatures that have favored the survival of the insect vector for this disease, the corn flea beetle (Chaetocnema pulicaria). There are commonly two stages to the disease. Initially, leaf lesions that are off-green to yellow extend along the leaf veins, followed by mild-to-severe early seedling blight symptoms