News

An analysis of the diverse fungal communities associated with eastern larch beetles (Dendroctonus simplex LeConte) in Minnesota led to the discovery of four new fungal species in the order Ophiostomatales by UMN Blanchette Lab and collaborators.

While many only know Norman Borlaug as the Nobel Peace Prize-winning mind behind the Green Revolution, or one of the University of Minnesota’s most renowned alumni, Don Henry (UMN PhD ‘71) knew Norman Borlaug as family. 

Abby is joining the McCaghey and Drott labs at the University of Minnesota and USDA-ARS CDL.

At the recent U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative 2025 National FHB Forum, Professor Ruth Dill-Macky was awarded the USWBSI Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her eight years of service as the Researcher Co-Chair of the organization.

Emerald ash borer beetles (EABs) have wreaked havoc on North American ash trees, killing hundreds of millions of trees in the US and Canada since they were accidentally introduced in the 1990s. A new publication by Colin Peters, Nick Rajtar and Bob Blanchette demonstrates a selection of fungi that are able to kill EABs when transmitted through an autodissemination device, or ADD.

Five students traveled to Iowa with Brian Steffenson to celebrate plant health excellence and visit the Borlaug Farm.

Donate to the Kernkamp Fund on or before November 20th to help us meet our goal! 

Steffenson Lab research has found that foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) serves as an alternate host for fungal pathogens of cultivated barley.

In "Blightmare on Stem Street," Samac discusses bacterial stem blight on alfalfa with host Ed Zikora.

Professor Dean Malvick talked with MPR correspondents about this disease appearing in Minnesota soybean this year.