My research program focuses on the epidemiology and management of bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases of fresh market vegetable crops (esp. potatoes, cucurbits, and tomato) grown in upstate New York. I integrate my program by working cooperatively with scientists in other disciplines to evaluate chemical and biological agents, varietal resistance, and cultural disease management strategies for a number of vegetable crops. My work has relevancy for conventional and organic production of vegetable crops. For tomato we work cooperatively with a plant breeder to develop tomato varieties with multiple disease resistance by conventional breeding methods. For potatoes we study the use of sustainable and conventional products as seed piece, in-furrow or foliar application to minimize the lost of foliage and produce more blemish-free tubers. For cucurbits we evaluate products to minimize the effects of bacterial and fungal pathogens.
