David Gadoury

Research Associate, Sr., School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section Cornell AgriTech

Research on such classical diseases as apple scab and grape powdery mildew has been continuous and intensive throughout the last century. However, relatively few investigations have had a major impact upon how we approach controlling those diseases. An overall goal of my research has been to identify those areas of pathogen biology, ecology, and epidemiology that are poorly understood, and which severely constrain our ability to improve disease management programs. The research frequently spans disciplinary, institutional, and international boundaries, and has involved collaborations with horticulturists, food scientists, and entomologists from the other departments at Geneva, and in countries from Norway to Australia.

Interests

Diseases of grapevine, apple, and strawberry

Powdery mildew

Downy mildew

Recent Research

I am particularly interested in how plant pathogens survive the intercrop period to restart epidemics after a period of overwintering and dormancy. This is an under-researched area and one in which I can make meaningful contributions.

Outreach and Extension Focus

It`s a 2-way street. I use my contact with stakeholders to refine research directions and ideas; to keep them useful and relevant to the industry. It`s also an opportunity to educate the stakeholders in my research findings and their practical application.

Selected Journal Publications

Gadoury, D. M., Andrews, J., Baumgartner, K., Burr, T. J., Kennelly, M. M., Lichens-Park, A., MacDonald, J., Savary, S., Scherm, H., Tally, A., & Wang, G. (2009). Disciplinary, Institutional, Funding, and Demographic Trends in Plant Pathology: What Does the Future Hold for the Profession? Plant Disease. 93:1228-1237.
Gadoury, D. M., Seem, R. C., Wilcox, W. F., Henick-Kling, T., Conterno, L., Day, A., & Ficke, A. (2007). Effects of diffuse colonization of grape berries by Uncinula necator on bunch rots, berry microflora, and juice and wine quality. Phytopathology. 97:1356-1365.
Gadoury, D. M., Seem, R. C., Ficke, A., & Wilcox, W. F. (2003). Ontogenic resistance to powdery mildew in grape berries. Phytopathology. 93:547-555.

Courses Taught

I do not have many opportunities to teach, but I take advantage of those that arise. Being the faculty member at Geneva with experience in turf pathology, I lead the Field Plant Pathology course section on turf diseases. I also arrange demonstrations and brief lectures for elementary and middle school students during visits to the Experiment Station. These generally occur 2-3 times per year.

More recently, in 2006 I began to teach a series of 6 lectures on preparing competitive grant proposals (at Cornell and at Univ. Norway) and writing articles for refereed journals (Univ. Norway).

In 2011 I will be teaching a short course at the Univ. Norway on Ontogenic resistance and plant disease.

This year I am coordinating PLP 660, a graduate independent study course focusing on imaging and graphics for research and extension publications and presentations.

Contact Information

15 Castle Creek Drive
A104 Barton Laboratory
Geneva, NY 14456

(315) 787-2614

dmg4 [at] cornell.edu

Graduate Fields
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
Education
- Doctorate
  University of New Hampshire
  1984
- Master of Science
  University of New Hampshire
  1981
- Bachelor of Science
  University of Rhode Island
  1978

David in the news

A green grape with a white substance on it

Multimedia

News

June 3, 2020

Robots armed with UV light fight grape mildew

Researchers at Cornell AgriTech have deployed robots in local vineyards, where they are using UV light to kill pathogens like downy mildew and powdery mildew — without harming the growing plants.

Cornell AgriTech
School of Integrative Plant Science
Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section

Men and women sitting at a table sampling wine

News

March 16, 2020

Cornell helping NYS wineries craft sustainable future

Younger consumers aren’t engaging with it like their older peers, and are drinking less in general, but sustainably produced wine could change that. According to a 2019 Wine Intelligence consumer survey, sustainable wine had the highest future...

Center of Excellence in Food and Agriculture
Cornell AgriTech
Cornell Cooperative Extension

David Gadoury

Contact Information

Graduate Fields

Education

David in the news