Erica Goss of UF is studying microbes, such as X. perforans, that infect tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. When a plant becomes infected, it develops spots on its leaves or fruit that make the plant harmless to eat, but undesirable, which costs farmers.

"Why does it seem like this pathogen is getting to be a big problem in recent years? Is that pathogen evolution, or are new strains coming in from somewhere else? Or has something else about production changed?" Goss asked. "How do we reduce the disease in the field? How is it getting out there and spreading?"

• Erica Goss