Jonathan Oliver

Jonathan Oliver

Dr. Jonathan Oliver is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. He has a 60% research, 35% extension, and 5% service appointment. Dr. Oliver started in his current position at the University of Georgia in mid-2017 as an extension fruit pathologist at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. His responsibilities include research and extension activities focused on pathogen biology and disease management in fruit crops grown primarily in the southern part of Georgia, including blueberries, blackberries, citrus, and other emerging fruit crops. Dr. Oliver obtained a BS degree in Plant Pathology and Microbiology & Cell Science from the University of Florida in 2005, and a PhD in Plant Microbe Biology from Cornell University, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY in 2011. In addition, he has also been postdoctoral researcher at Kansas State University and Auburn University. At Auburn, he characterized the interactions between the emerging bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, and its blueberry plant hosts. He currently serves as a Plant Pathology Section editor for the Southeast Regional Blueberry Integrated Management Guide.

• Citrus Root Weevil detected in Georgia

  Jonathan Oliver

  March 9, 2022

  Diaprepes abbreviates (also known as the citrus root weevil or the Apopka weevil) was detected in one trap sample from Chatham County, Georgia during the 2021 APHIS PPQ survey season.  While this insect is not assumed to be widespread in Georgia at this time, growers should be aware of this weevil given the recent increase…

  Posted in: Pest Information, Pest Management

• New Submission Protocol for Citrus Greening and Citrus Canker Testing – Spring 2022

  Jonathan Oliver

  January 24, 2022

  Due to recent personnel changes within the UGA Plant Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, we’ve had to make changes to the protocol for submission of citrus samples for viral and bacterial testing. Bulk samples mailed to the laboratory for routine testing for the bacterial diseases citrus greening (HLB) and citrus canker cannot be received at this time…

  Posted in: Disease Information, Disease Management

• Citrus Greening AND Citrus Canker Testing for Commercial and Residential Citrus in Fall 2021

  Jonathan Oliver

  September 1, 2021

  As part of our 2021 disease survey efforts, we will begin accepting samples from within Georgia for free citrus greening and citrus canker testing on September 1st. Sample testing will be carried out by the UGA Plant Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in Tifton, GA. Here’s the original announcement regarding this testing program: My citrus pathology extension program was…

  Posted in: Disease Management

• Citrus Grower’s Summer Update -Aug. 25th

  Jonathan Oliver

  August 18, 2021

  The Lowndes County Extension Office will be hosting a Citrus Grower’s Summer Update on Wednesday, August 25th. Full agenda and information about registration is available here: https://site.caes.uga.edu/citrus/files/2021/08/AGENDA-2021-1.pdf

  Posted in: Grower Meetings

• ‘Owari’ Satsuma Rootstock Trial Summary 2019 & 2020

  Jonathan Oliver

  July 2, 2021

  By: Jake Price (UGA Extension, Lowndes County, GA – jprice@uga.edu) and Dr. Kim Bowman (Rootstock geneticist, Ft. Pierce, FL – Kim.Bowman@usda.gov) Purpose: Identify the best commercially-available rootstocks for ‘Owari’ satsumas, based upon effects on fruit yield, fruit quality, cold-hardiness, tree health, fruit size, and tree size. Background: In 2014, Lowndes Extension began growing ‘Owari’ satsuma trees on…

  Posted in: Citrus Production, Variety Selection