Includes developing new methods for rapid, quantitative detection of human pathogens, elucidating environmental parameters controlling pathogen transport to surface and ground waters, assessing pathogen dispersal and survival in water, soil, manure, and produce, and developing strategies to minimize transport and dissemination of pathogens from animal manures to potable waters and fresh produce.

Develop rapid and sensitive methods for detection of enteric human pathogens from fresh produce, and examines the efficacy of current postharvest sanitizing procedures for survival of human pathogens. Molecular biology and genetics of survival mechanisms of human pathogens.

Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies to assess safety and quality of agricultural produce and poultry carcasses. Development of nondestructive high-speed line scan imaging inspection systems using multispectral reflectance and Raman chemical imaging technologies.

To develop and test novel methods to identify and characterize the parasites Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Microsporidia, and Blastocystis. Determine the presence of these organisms in livestock, associated domesticated and wild animal, as well as in edible foods, soil and water impacted by agriculture. Develop methods to reduce the number and virulence of these organisms in domesticated animals, food, and the environment.

Develop methods for the specific detection and enumeration of pathogenic forms of microorganisms in foods, soil, manure and water. Use those methods to describe the fate of pathogens on the farm and the routes for their transmission to foods.

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Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies to assess safety and quality of agricultural produce and animal carcasses. Development of rapid on-line inspection systems and portable devices using multispectral laser-induced fluorescence and multispectral reflectance imaging technologies.

Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies to assess safety and quality of apples and other fruits and vegetables. Development of on-line systems for inspection of apples for contaminants.

Develop rapid and sensitive methods for detection of enteric human pathogens and spoilage bacteria from conventional and organically grown produce, and develop effective postharvest sanitizing procedures providing improved antimicrobial activity while maintaining produce quality and shelf-life, and understand the ecology and mechanisms that allow specific human and spoilage microorganisms to persist on fresh produce and develop control agents to reduce food safety risks.

The long-term research objective of this project is to develop and translate fundamental agroecological knowledge into recommendations and products to improve the economic position of organic farmers and to improve their ability to meet consumer demand for organic products. Objective 1 is to develop component technologies and management strategies that lead to improved productivity, enhanced soil and water conservation, and efficient nutrient cycling on organic farms. Objective 2 is to understand agroecological principles that drive the function of organic cropping systems and quantify ecosystem services.

Studies microbial ecology of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in leafy green production systems. Determines the effects of various environmental factors on the survival and dissemination of bacterial pathogens in various leafy green production environments. Develops effective agricultural practices to minimize pathogen contamination of fresh produce at pre-harvest and post-harvest production stages.

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Develops functional relationships between environmental parameters and pathogen transport from animal manure; integrates information on pathogen transport and survival to improve and validate pathogen transport and dispersal models for prediction and risk assessment of pathogen transmission from animal manures to potable water and fresh produce.

Identify mechanisms of attachment, growth and survival of human pathogens on fresh produce. Determine molecular factors involved in the interaction of human pathogens with natural microflora on fresh produce and biofilm formation. Develop rapid, sensitive methods for detection of enteric pathogens in produce and soil.

To develop molecular methods to detect zoonotic protozoan parasites and apply these methods to specimens obtained from farms, wildlife, and surface waters in order to better understand the complex epidemiology of zoonotic diseases.

Research focuses on the survival, persistence and growth of the bacterial foodborne pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 in leafy green pre-harvest environments. E. coli O157:H7 has been associated with several high profile outbreaks associated with lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens. This work examines the ability of E. coli to internalize to spinach tissues through root uptake. His research team also examines the ability of E. coli O157:H7 to persist in pre-harvest environments (soil, water). The expression of virulence factors of E. coli O157:H7 on leafy greens stored under various conditions is also evaluated. Bacteriophages, viruses that target and kill E. coli O157:H7, are also being examined as a potential intervention against E. coli O157:H7 on leafy greens.

Studies the incidence and ecology of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in dairy production systems, to evaluate and develop on-farm control strategies that will minimize pathogen infection of the herd, maintenance in the environment, and subsequent contamination of the bulk milk.

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