Saturday, November 12, 2022

Have you ever had a stuffy nose, sore throat, or cough?  Those are signs that you’re feeling sick, but how can you tell when a plant is sick? Together, we became plant doctors – or plant pathologists – and diagnosed sick plants. We assessed plant samples with leaves from our garden, a house plant, or from a nature walk. We also made a plant press to help our diagnostics. 

Preparation: Old fruit, vegetables, or plants that do not look healthy. Leaves from your garden, a house plant, or a nature walk. 2 pieces of heavy cardboard cut into an 8” X 8” square. Newspaper or cut or folded into an 8” X 8” square. 4 sturdy rubber bands. Weights (such as a heavy book). OPTIONAL: Magnifying glass or microscope.

Expert: Sara Stricker, B. Sc., B. Ed., M. Sc., Ph.D is a plant scientist and Communications and Outreach Coordinator at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.  She studies plant pathology – diseases that harm plants – and how to defend against them.