The Plant Disease Clinic Turns 70
The Plant Disease Clinic (PDC) celebrated its 70th birthday at Coffee Hour on October 7, 2026.
A powdery mildew mystery, solved: cracking the code of an unknown pathogen with compatibility testing and genomic examination
With testing of a mystery fungus’s host range and phylogenetics, small-grains researchers Rebecca Spanner, Oadi Matny, Jamie Nesbit, Alexis Feist and PI Brian Steffenson were able to situate it among the rapidly evolving world of powdery mildews that impact barley.
Welcoming Fall 2026 New Students
Our department has two new students incoming for the Fall 2026 semester, Julia Brandfonbrener and Maddie Burke.
Eva Mulandesa is here to solve plant health problems
Taking a postdoctoral research position focused on tar spot of corn may seem like a surprising departure after an education in cosmetic diseases of citrus fruit, but Eva Mulandesa is no stranger to taking on a bold new experience.
Unlocking microbial magic: Kinkel-helmed Jord Bioscience releases first product, receives AgTech Breakthrough Award
A first-of-its-kind soil biostimulant produced by UMN-launched start-up Jord BioScience has just entered the commercial market, and is already taking home its first global award.
Power in the panel: How a multifaceted evaluation of Sclerotinia stem rot on soybean can boost sustainable breeding
With this more comprehensive comparative information, soybean breeders and growers can work to lessen reliance on fungicide applications and move towards a strategy that breeds and implements research-backed resistant varieties.