Improved Nutrition Decreases Pests

New University of Florida research shows that healthy plants with high levels of nutrients resist plant pests. As farmers get ready for spring planting, applying fertilizer enhances plant growth, yield, and reduces pests. Dr. Arnold Schumann outlines benefits certain nutrients give to plants to fight various fungus, bacteria, and viral diseases. In general, nutrient and pathogen relationships are quite complex. Pathogens (disease organisms) alter the plant’s ability to take up nutrients, how they transport them, how they are used etc. Often, pathogens damage the roots, stems, and leaves so that the plant cannot produce a crop. Sometimes pathogens tie up nutrients or damage the vascular system for moving nutrients around in the plant. Secondary infections often occur and sick plants attract insects that also damage the plant. Keeping plants healthy includes creating nutrient-rich food which is also beneficial for livestock and human health. Most people think of nutrients as plant...