Home | Research | Lab Members | Publications | Resources | Links Grunwald Lab Phytophthora molecular genetics, epidemiology & management

The genus Phytophthora contains some of the most destructive plant pathogens affecting agricultural and forest crops. Recently a novel species of Phytophthora was discovered almost simultaneously in Germany on rhododendron and azalea and in California on coast live oak and tanoak. P. ramorum is a devastating exotic pathogen of many forest and nursery crops. It causes several diseases including sudden oak death, Ramorum shoot dieback and Ramorum blight. P. ramorum has a very wide host range and affects many nursery crop species including viburnum, lilac, maple, and oak, among others. It poses a significant threat to the US nursery industry and forests. Currently we know very little about the biology of P. ramorum.

Our laboratory conducts research on the epidemiology, ecology, population biology and molecular genetics of Phytophthora species with a current emphasis on the sudden oak death pathogen P. ramorum. All research is focused on the ultimate goal of improving disease management and we thus routinely interact with the nursery industry.

If you are interested in joining the lab please write or e-mail us at grunwaln <at> science.oregonstate.edu. Students and postdoctoral scientists are always welcome to visit or rotate through the lab.

 

 

 

Last Updated: January 7, 2008