Our research explores the interactions between beneficial microbes, plants, and the environment to identify best practices for integrated plant disease management in horticultural production systems.
As plant pathologists we study microbes that cause plant disease. Plant pathogens are a major threat to our food and fiber production systems as well as our ornamental plant industries. Our research focuses on the use of sanitation, beneficial microbes, and plant resistance to manage disease in several horticultural crops. We explore interaction between beneficial microbes, plants, and the environment to identify best practices for sustainable disease management.
Our lab specializes in the use of beneficial microbes that promote plant health and suppress plant disease. Why? Plants live in association with microbes that play a critical role in their health much like the microbes in the human gut. The use of microbes as biopesticides is one of the fastest growing markets yet has many hurdles to achieve widespread adoption. We study these microbial associations in the context of production systems to optimize efficacy of biopesticides. Students work on projects spanning basic and applied research questions. We specialize in applied pre-commercial research designed to bring innovative strategies that growers can use on their farms. |