Plant Pathology
Outreach Education -
Onion Downy Mildew
September 9, 2024
It was the first week of March when I received my second farm call in the Imperial Valley: downy mildew had taken over many processing onion fields around Holtville. Soon after, more farmers began expressing their concerns as downy mildew continued to spread uncontrollably across various onion fields, affecting conventional, organic, fresh market, and processing operations alike.
In response, I dedicated my initial outreach efforts to educating growers and PCAs in the low deserts of California about the biology of this pathogen and the most effective integrated management strategies to combat it in these desert areas.
To download the presentation, please click the link below. If you could take a moment to complete the final survey, it would be greatly appreciated and will help me improve my program.
Ana M. Pastrana, Ph.D.
Ana M. Pastrana joined UC ANR on January 16, 2024, assuming the role of Plant Pathology Advisor for Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego counties. Before this position, Dr. Pastrana contributed her expertise as a Research Scientist in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Seville, Spain, from 2022 to 2024. During her time there, she not only conducted valuable research but also shared her knowledge by teaching a graduate-level Plant Health course. From 2020-2022, Ana played a significant role as a Research Scientist-Plant Pathology at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Canada.
Dr. Pastrana earned her Ph.D. in 2015 from IFAPA, Spain, and subsequently advanced her research during post-doctoral studies at the University of California, Davis, USA.
With over a decade of experience, Ana's work has focused on investigating the etiology, epidemiology, and management of plant diseases within agricultural ecosystems.
She is excited about her new role as Plant Pathology Advisor based in Southern California. The varied and intense crop cultivation in this area requires focused research to address disease management challenges and efficient outreach programs to engage a diverse audience. With my background and enthusiasm for community service, I believe I am well-equipped for this role, and I am excited to connect with local growers and PCAs.
Plant Pathology
PLANT PATHOLOGY
The plant pathology program is responsible for research and diagnostics on plant pathology related issues within the Imperial County of California. The plant pathology program offers diagnostic services for growers and PCA's, enabling precise and timely diagnosis of plant diseases. There are many areas within plant pathology, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes that the plant pathologist is responsible for keeping up to date with and relaying new information to the clientele. Examples include melon vine decline fungi, Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus, Iris Yellow Spot Virus, Melon Vine Decline, needle nematodes, stubby root, lesion, or root knot nematodes.
Research Interests
Primary research focus is on researching integrated pest management solutions for soil-borne fungal diseases and nematode disease problems in Imperial County. Imperial county has a unique irrigated desert climate unlike any other place in the United States. The environment is host to a range of plant pathogens that are unique, but it also shares common plant diseases with other locations in the U.S. such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Powdery mildew, and Downy mildew.