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Title: PLANT HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN PEANUT PRODUCTION (CHAPTER 1 IN PEANUT HEALTH MANAGEMENT, APS PRESS)

Author
item SHOKES, F - UNIV FLORIDA, QUINCY
item Melouk, Hassan

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/24/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Book chapter describing state-of-the-art relative to peanut health management; review article with no new research reported; no interpretive summary required.

Technical Abstract: Growing totally unblemished or healthy plants can be accomplished only in a pathogen-free and stress-free environment. Therefore, growing plants under normal field conditions exposes them to a physically and biologically hostile environment that affects plant health adversely to varying degrees. Plant health refers to the absence of disease, injury, or defects in individual plants or a population of plants. It relates to the general condition of an individual plant or a crop (i.e., a population of plants) in a particular environment. To evaluate plant health we must consider all parts of a plant and every aspect of its growth. A sound, well-developed root system and a sturdy system of stems or branches to support the foliage are necessary for the good health of most plants. Foliage must be healthy to sustain adequate photosynthesis, and flowers must be in good condition for seed production. Requirements for the development of these will vary with different types of plants. Any given plant species is adapted for growth within certain environmental conditions. Therefore, the climate and the soil environment are important in any discussion of plant health. Plant health is directly important to those who grow plants for food or fiber. Though they are often unaware of it, plant health is of extreme importance to all consumers of plant products. Today there is an increasing interest in food safety and preservation of the environment. Therefore, any plant health management scheme must be designed for production of safe, high- quality products. It should use systems that are economically sustainable and environmentally sound.