Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Crookston, MN.

My research involves the etiology and integrated management of sugar beet pathogens (Pythium species, Aphanomyces cochlioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Cercospora beticola). In recent years, Aphanomyces damping-off and root rot of sugar beet have become increasingly severe so much of my research concerns A. cochlioides including: genetic and phenotypic variability, oospore survival, disease suppression (addition of lime to soil, green cover crops), sensitivity to chemical and biological seed treatments, development of techniques to screen germplasm for resistance, and to relate field topography and soil factors to inoculum density and disease severity. Research also includes other rotational crops (e.g., cereals, beans) that can influence sugar beet pathogens.

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center is 300 miles from the St. Paul Campus. It offers a unique setting and opportunity for field research in the agriculturally rich Red River Valley. The Center has a plant pathology research laboratory, greenhouses, controlled environment chambers, and field facilities. Special arrangements are made for housing graduate students during the summer.