Plant Pathology

Christmas tree lovers and growers could one day admire new varieties that look great and are resistant to a deadly disease that kills popular firs, thanks to research by WSU scientist Gary Chastagner.

WSU is working with the Port of Tacoma and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to eradicate the invasive Mediterranean vineyard snail at the port using steam.

A team of WSU scientists are taking on a destructive complex of diseases affecting valuable potato crops, thanks to support from the National Science Foundation and USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The 10 pathogens they identified represent a tremendous increase in the number of diseases that are known to affect peonies in the United States.

Gary Chastagner’s excitement for holiday fir trees has permeated his research work since 1979 and recently earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Christmas Tree Association.

In a scientific first, WSU researchers have found that tomato spotted wilt virus, part of a group called tospoviruses, may be able to sense light and respond to plant growth hormones.

WSU’s growing collaboration with Germany’s interdisciplinary Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences is adding a global perspective to the University’s work to advance agricultural science and develop sustainable methods of food production.

Two scientists at WSU are launching new research this spring into better plant defenses based on genes and vaccines.

Renowned for his research in wheat disease management and pathogen resistance, Murray began his second appointment as department chair on July 1.

WSU researchers have discovered the way plants respond to disease-causing organisms and how they protect themselves.