P-488 - The who and why of Plant Diseases in Urban and Indoor food production spaces

Indoor food production is expanding rapidly worldwide, including in the United States, where controlled environment agriculture (CEA) production increased by 56 percent between 2009 and 2019. In Georgia, CEA is the fastest-growing agribusiness sector, especially for leafy greens and tomatoes. However, plant diseases can present a significant threat in all these CEA production facilities, and currently, there is little to no information available in Georgia regarding the major diseases or specific pathogens in these systems. Thus, statewide sampling and surveys were initiated to assess the prevalence of plant pathogens that negatively impact the production of vegetables within CEA systems [hydroponics (deep-water culture, nutrient film technique, vertical towers), aquaponics, aeroponics, greenhouses, organic high tunnels, etc.]. Symptomatic plants showing root tip discoloration, rots (basal and root), wilting, and complete root browning were collected from CEA operations across eight counties. Common fungi and oomycetes recovered included Pythium spp. (P. dissotocum, P. coloratum, P. aphanidermatum), Botrytis spp., Plectosphaerella spp., and Fusarium spp. Pathogenicity assays are underway to confirm their disease-causing potential, followed by studies on pathogen spread over time and space. This project provides the first overview of Georgia’s current CEA systems and practices, along with potential fungal and oomycete pathogens associated with food crops. The study aims to develop comprehensive extension materials offering disease management strategies for stakeholders.