The main research program of the Vegetable Pathology Laboratory is the development of  Integrated Pest Management systems through the use of   disease resistance and biological and chemical control. Our lab takes both a conventional and organic approach to develop these systems.
DISEASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Conventional Vegetable Production

In our conventional program we evaluate the efficacy of existing and new bactericides and fungicides both in the field and greenhouse.

Current Projects:

Impact of Farm Management Practices on the Microbial Quality of Lettuce.

Evaluation of Fungicides for the Management of White Mold on Cabbage.

Evaluation of Fungicides for the Management of Early Blight on Tomato.

Evaluation of Bacteriacides and Biopesticides for the Management of Bacterial Leaf Spot on Tomato.

Evaluation of Fungicides for the Management of Downy Mildew on Cucurbits.

Evaluation of Fungicides and Biopesticides for the Management of Clubroot on Radish.

Evaluation of Fungicides for the Management of Anthracnose on Immature Peppers.

Evaluation of Fungicides for the Management of Lettuce Drop.

Ohio Sentinel Plot System for the Detection of Downy Mildew in Cucurbits.

Seedling Transmission of Bacterial Canker in Tomatoes.

Evaluation of Seed Treatments for the Management of Bacterial Canker in Tomatoes.

We are greatly appreciative of the following companies and institutions for their support of these trials: The OSU-OARDC, OSU Extension, the Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Development Program, DuPont Crop Protection, Arysta Life Sciences, Syngenta Crop Protection, Valent USA Corp., and ISK Biosciences.

 
 

Organic Vegetable Production

Our organic vegetable disease management program emphasizes the development of  holistic or sustainable systems. There is a great need for sound research-based information on organic systems, both for certified organic growers and those transitioning to organic.

Current Projects:

Evaluation of Trichoderma hamatum 382 for the Management of Root and Foliar Diseases on High Tunnel Tomatoes.
 
Development and Application of Diagnostic Systems

Our lab focuses on the development of molecular diagnostic systems (conventional and real-time PCR, DNA fingerprinting and sequencing) for the detection of Trichoderma hamatum, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), and plant pathogens (seed and soil borne).

Current Projects:

Hand Held Assays for Field Friendly Diagnosis of Soybean Rust.

Development of a PCR Assay to Detect Bacterial Xanthomonas Wilt in Bananas.

Development of Diagnostic Methods for the Detection and Identiication of Aster Yellows Phytoplasmas on Tomatoes and Lettuce.

Characterization of Plant Pathogens, Biocontrol Organisms and Other Plant Microorganisms

We use molecular and classical techniques to characterize new and emerging plant pathogens.

Current Projects:

Biophysical and Ecological Processes Impacting the Growth and Survival of E. coli O:157 On and In Vegetables.

The Impact of Plant Pathogen Biofilms on the Colonization and Persistence of E. coli O157:H7 on lettuce.

Characterization of New Vectors Transmitting Aster Yellows Phytoplasmas.