Presented By: Dr. Romina Gazis
Event: ECHO International Agriculture Conference (2023-11-08)
Romina is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC), University of Florida. Her long-term research goal is to understand the biology behind different plant diseases affecting local industries and natural landscapes and use this knowledge to develop efficient and long-term disease management strategies. She has a 60% extension and 40% research appointment and is the primary research plant pathologist for tropical and subtropical fruit and ornamental crops in south Florida and the Director of the Plant Diagnostic Clinic at UF-TREC. Her research and extension work are oriented towards the needs of stakeholders; more specifically, the development of a statewide research and extension program which manages diseases affecting the commercial production of local crops. This program emphasizes education and dissemination of science-based information about tropical crop production, disease and pest management, and best practices for pesticide use. Its development and implementation, guided by the needs of farmers, allied industry representatives and county extension agents, occurs in the following main areas: (1) improving disease management and therefore increasing the sustainability of tropical and subtropical fruit and ornamental crop production and (2) developing a statewide educational program to improve disease management of tropical and subtropical fruit and ornamental crops.
The plenary presentation will touch on topics such as:
- basics of abiotic/biotic damage
- basics of Integrated Pest Management
- visual examples of pests and diseases that may be found in tropical fruits and vegetables
- Laurel Wilt that affects avocados
Dr. Gazis will also be facilitating a “hands on” workshop Thursday afternoon titled Plant Pathology 101 which will include a walk through the farm.
http://edn.link/pest-management