Claudia Castell Miller

My current research is focused on fungal diseases of American wild rice (Zizania palustris) with major emphasis on population biology of pathogens, and on plant-pathogen interaction using functional genomics.

Another topic of interest is the implementation of integrated disease management systems to mitigate grain yield losses inflicted by the fungus Bipolaris oryzae, and other fungal pathogens, on cultivated wild rice. Some of the strategies include working with growers for efficient and environmentally responsible use of fungicides, early diagnosis of pathogens in the field, and monitoring fungicide sensitivity in fungal populations. In addition, we are evaluating the level of genetic resistance in wild rice germplasm, advanced breeding lines, and cultivars through phenotypic and molecular techniques with the aim of assisting the wild rice breeding program in cultivar development and decreasing the use of pesticides in the near future.