Overview

I am an applied plant pathologist who specializes in the epidemiology, biology, and control of fruit and vegetable diseases with emphasis on the development of decision support systems ranging from simple models of disease to sophisticated simulation models. I also specialize in the application of precision agriculture technologies to plant disease management including high resolution environmental monitoring and weather forecasts.

Research Focus

I specialize in the fungal diseases of horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables). Most of my research is currently focused on the two major diseases of grape (powdery and downy mildew). Because of similarity of the pathosystem, I also work in strawberry powdery mildew and will likely expand into other fruit and vegetable powdery mildews. While epidemiology and disease modeling are the focus of the research, understanding of the underlying biology and host-pathogen interaction is fundamental to our research. It is not unusual to simultaneously study epidemic development in the field and the underlying molecular basis for pathogen development within that epidemic.

Outreach and Extension Focus

I maintain an untraditional extension assignment in economic development to support food and agricultural technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and business development. I work with university faculty, small businesses, communities and regional organizations to identify needs and opportunities in food and agricultural economic development. The goal is to strengthen the state`s economy by helping to establish and keep food and agriculture businesses in New York State.

Additional Links

• Biological control of powdery mildews
• Climate-Based Modeling of Ontogenic Resistance
• Effects of light on lettuce downy mildew
• Epidemiology of grapvine downy mildew
• Finger Lakes WIRED project
• Food and Agriculture Collaboration through Technology in New York
• Interactions of ontogenic resistance and leaf phenology in strawberry powdery mildew
• Metalaxyl is translocated from grapevine leaves to fruit
• Proceedings of the 10th Annual Epidemiology Workshop
• Signaling and sporulation in grapevine powdery mildew
• Surface Wetness Duration Modeling
• Towards an advisory system for grapevine powdery mildew in cooler climates
• Link to VIVO profile

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