Trends in crop diversification on the Canadian prairies have resulted in the increased production of exotic herbs, spices, essential oils and medicinal plants. With these new specialty crops have...
Description
Trends in crop diversification on the Canadian prairies have resulted in the increased production of exotic herbs, spices, essential oils and medicinal plants. With these new specialty crops have come unique disease and pest problems, some of which were previously rare or unknown on the prairies. One example is the so-called "yellows" diseases of echinacea, monarda and caraway. Recognizing the symptoms of these diseases and understanding the basic biology of the infectious agents that cause them is fundamental to developing an effective pest management program. But first, it helps to know a bit about the origins of these crops and what they should look like in a healthy condition.