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​​Advances in Phytobacteriology Series

Phytoplasma Associated Diseases: The Hidden Threat in the World of Agriculture​

Broadcast Date: March 10, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:00pm Central
Cost: Free for members, $49 for nonmembers

Register Now!

​Thank You to our Series Sponsors:

  • The USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture Specialty Crops Research Initiative Project No. 2019-51181-30019, with the following institutions:
    • Pennsylvania State University
    • Auburn University
    • Cornell University
    • Washington State University
    • North Carolina State University
    • University of Florida
    • University of Wisconsin
    • USDA/ARS
  • The APHIS Widely Prevalent Bacteria Committee​

Webinar Summary

Phytoplasma associated diseases are spreading in a shortest time under climate change, not only in tropical and subtropical areas, but in all the agricultural areas. Their knowledge and management is therefore crucial to maintain a profitable agriculture worldwide.


Webinar Presenters

Moderator

Mustafa Jibrin | Oklahoma State University​


Speaker


Assunta Bertaccini is an award-winning plant pathologist and professor at the University of Bologna, Italy. Since joining the Plant Pathology Institute in 1977 after graduating cum laude in biology, she has become a global leader in phytoplasma and bacterial plant disease research. Bertaccini has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications, 60 books or chapters, and numerous outreach articles, contributing significantly to our understanding of plant disease biology, epidemiology, and management.

She has received prestigious honors, including the Emmy Klienenberger-Nobel Award for distinguished research in mycoplasmology, and has led major international initiatives, such as the COST Action FA0807 and the H2020 TROPICSAFE project. Bertaccini also founded and presides over the International Phytoplasmologist Working Group (IPWG), fostering collaboration with researchers across 40 countries.

An active member of leading scientific organizations, Bertaccini serves on editorial boards for several esteemed journals and frequently chairs and speaks at international conferences. Her pioneering work continues to shape the field of phytobacteriology, advancing innovative detection and management strategies for plant diseases worldwide.​


About the Advances in Phytobacteriology​ Series

The Bacteriology Committee's educational webinar series aims to promote interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration by disseminating groundbreaking research findings in Phytobacteriology. The goal of the series is to engage the scientific community, the series features insights from leading experts in the field. It also strengthens professional networks to facilitate co​llaboration and knowledge exchange.

After participating in the Bacteriology Committee's educational webinar series, which focuses on groundbreaking research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, attendees will gain awareness of the latest advancements and technological innovations in bacteriology, while also grasping emerging trends and novel methodologies that are shaping the future of the field. Participants will learn about current collaborative projects and initiatives within the bacteriological community and related disciplines, understanding the impact of recent research findings on shaping the future needs of research in phytobacteriology.​​

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