Title

Through an Extension appointment, UF/IFAS researcher launches app to detect invasives, crop diseases

Relevance

{"ops":[{"insert":"Plant diseases pose a global threat to food security, yet critical data on outbreaks is scattered across thousands of journals and reports. This fragmentation makes it difficult for scientists, growers and homeowners to access timely information about the disease delaying the search for treatments and potential best management control practices.\n"}]}

Response

{"ops":[{"insert":"To combat this issue and as part of his University of Florida Extension appointment, Braham Dhillon developed an innovative app called "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://robigus.rc.ufl.edu/"},"insert":"Robigus"},{"insert":". Named after the Roman god who once guarded wheat fields from blight, he built Robigus as the newest tech ally in the fight against plant diseases hosted on the University of Florida’s HiPerGator supercomputer.\nDhillon, a molecular plant pathologist at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) based out of the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, developed the app to help detect crop threats globally. Users have accessto over 9,600 records with the tap of a screen, desktop keyboard or smartphone. \nThe app aggregates global plant disease reports, enabling users to filter by crop, pathogen, country or year. It provides dynamic maps and datasets that visualize disease history and spread, offering practical tools for researchers, Extension agents, growers and homeowners.\n"}]}

Results

{"ops":[{"insert":"Robigus now serves as a global resource for tracking plant diseases, helping anticipate risks and inform management strategies. For example, the app traces the movement of Tropical Race 4 Fusarium wilt in bananas from Asia to South America, illustrating how pathogens spread and enabling proactive responses. This tool enhances research, supports Extension services, and empowers growers to protect crops.\nSince its launch in September 2025, the site has received 493 interactions from 25 countries. Positive comments from users are received regularly. \nA USDA scientist praised the tool as critical for APHIS permitting work, especially after losing journal access: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"“This will be useful to my group… I extend my thanks and support for the continuation of this useful tool.”"},{"insert":" \nAnother researcher used Robigus to filter 369 plant pathogens for APHIS Biotech Regulatory Services, stating: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"“Your app tool is magnificent!”"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"“OMG, you rock! I owe you one!”"},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Public Value Statement

{"ops":[{"insert":"Robigus strengthens food security by equipping stakeholders with knowledge to prevent and manage plant diseases. By making decades of data accessible and interactive, the app fosters informed decision-making, reduces crop losses, and supports sustainable agriculture—benefiting farmers, consumers, and global trade.\n"}]}

Primary Focus Area

Food Security

Secondary Focus Area

Food Security

Impact Statement