Vegetable Seed Pathology Program

• state, national and global industry
• up to 70% of the U.S. supply of cabbage, carrot, radish, spinach, & table beet seed
• up to 50% of the world supply of cabbage, carrot, radish, spinach, and table beet seed
• >40 small-seeded vegetable seed crops state-wide
• 2 main productions areas - northwest Washington (cabbage, spinach, beet, ...) and northern Columbia Basin (carrot, onion, radish,...)

• diseases affecting seed production, including seedborne pathogens
• zero-tolerance for many seedborne pathogens because of interstate and international exports
• diseases affect seed yield, quality, & germination and the health of crops grown from seed
• if seed germination is <80 to 90%, seed lots may be rejected

Vegetable seed pathology research & extension focus

• pathogen detection, biology, & epidemiology
• develop & implement IPM programs
• fungicide efficacy trials
• yield loss studies
• cultural practices
• disease resistance
• develop extension materials (bulletins, website, newsletters, PNW Vegetable Extension Group)
• national & international vegetable seed pathology collaborations