Floriculture, the growing of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and floristry, is an economically important industry in Michigan, which ranks third in the United States for the wholesale value of floriculture products. The health of these crops is threatened by many diseases, including Pythium ultimum, a water mold that infects the roots of popular plants including poinsettia and geranium. The mold results in plant stunting, reduced plant quality, and root and crown rot. Despite educated efforts to improve control of this pathogen, root rot occurs annually for many growers.
* This article was originally published here
