Biology, Detection, and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water

Part I addresses the links between crop diseases and irrigation water. It describes water sources, recycling, and distribution systems and assesses their risk in exposing crops to waterborne plant pathogens. It also discusses specific plant pathogens found in these systems. Part II examines the diversity and biology of plant pathogens in water. Part III covers the latest technologies and methods for detecting and quantifying plant pathogens in irrigation water. Parts IV and V present an array of strategies and tactics for risk-avoidance and mitigation. These can be implemented at any point in business development, from land purchase to production system design and in-season management—and at different points in the system, from runoff containment basins to pump houses and production beds. Part V addresses pathogen management through good system design and the application of best practices.