In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences .
Course Offerings
Plant pathology and plant-microbe biology faculty study interactions of plants with pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms and with toxic elements in air and water. Some specialists in the field choose to focus their attention on the cause and management of plant diseases and others employ contemporary tools of molecular biology to answer fundamental questions about the nature of host-pathogen interactions. Working together, they advance the frontiers of science to ensure rapid deployment of new strategies for growing healthy crops with maximum yields and minimal impacts on the surrounding environment. For most students, a concentration in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology is preparation for graduate study in the field. However, graduates may also be employed as sales or technical representatives with agribusiness firms, Cooperative Extension educators, state or federal regulatory officials, and laboratory technicians. Suggested courses beyond the Plant Science core include organic chemistry, biochemistry, calculus, introductory plant pathology, mycology, entomology, and plant breeding.
Faculty
W. E. Fry, chair (331 Plant Science Bldg., (607) 255-7848); G. S. Abawi, H. S. Aldwinkle, S. V. Beer, T. J. Burr, G. C. Bergstrom, S. Cartinour, A. R. Collmer, K. D. Cox, H. R. Dillard, M. Fuchs, S. M. Gray, H. C. Hoch, K. T. Hodge, G. W. Hudler, S. G. Lazarowitz, J. W. Lorbeer, R. Loria, G. B. Martin, M. T. McGrath, M. G. Milgroom, E. B. Nelson, R. J. Nelson, T. Pawlowska, K. L. Perry, D. A. Rosenberger, R. C. Seem, C. D. Smart, B. G. Turgeon, X. Wang, W. F. Wilcox, T. A. Zitter