My research addresses diseases that limit seed production of cool-season grasses. The primary focus of this project is stem rust, the most serious disease constraint on seed production in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue. We are developing and testing a mathematical model that uses real-time weather data to estimate stem rust development, thereby providing information to help disease managers make optimum decisions for fungicide timing.
Other objectives of the rust research include determining the effect of cultural practices and cultivar choice on stem rust development. We collaborate with the grass genetics program (Dr. Reed Barker) in research on host resistance to rust. In addition to working on rust, we contribute to a joint research effort (with Dr. Steve Alderman) on a recently introduced fungus pathogen that causes choke disease of orchardgrass.
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