My research focuses on understanding the ecology,
genetics and population biology of soil fungi
that cause plant disease. Applied and molecular
methods are used to examine field populations
of these fungi and to develop improved protocols
to assess disease management strategies. My research
involves an interdisciplinary approach that combines
aspects of horticulture, soil fertility and fungal
and plant genetics, with a major emphasis on identifying
economical and "environmentally friendly"
disease management alternatives for Rhizoctonia
and Sclerotinia diseases.
My extension responsibilities include crucifer
and potato disease education and management, disease
diagnosis, weather based disease forecasting and
distance learning/outreach activities.
Key words: mycology, soil fungi, ascomycetes,
basidiomycetes, population genetics, fungal genetics,
ecology, population biology, taxonomy, Solanum
tuberosum, Brassicae, educational outreach, mentoring,
environmental education, distance learning.
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