Field Crops Pathology

The UW Field Crops Pathology team focuses on the biology, epidemiology, and management field crop diseases. Information and potential solutions to disease problems are evaluated using both applied and basic research. Field studies include station and on-farm research to test epidemiological models, evaluate pesticides, and improve our practical and biological understanding of various plant pathogens. The information generated by research directly services the extension program.  We develop, evaluate, and disseminate solutions to many of the disease problems associated with soybeans, corn, and wheat. We work closely with county extension agents, crop advisors, agribusinesses, and commodity groups. We develop disease management fact sheets, outreach courses, and electronic education resources.  We take an integrated approach to disease management using improved host resistance, cultural management, and chemical control techniques. One of our main research and extension efforts is the development and improvement of disease forecasting systems that can be used to accurately advise fungicide applications. Reducing or eliminating fungicide applications through the use of integrated disease management is profitable for the grower, and is a positive step toward sustainability in 21st century agriculture.

Fruit Extension Pathology

The mission of our lab is to understand the etiology of diseases and the epidemiology of pathogens destructive to fruit crops in Wisconsin to provide management solutions to stakeholders. Our program specializes in applied plant pathology, mycology, chemical control, and stakeholder education. We work with fruit growers in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest to enhance crop protection practices by identifying disease concerns and optimizing management approaches using an integrated approach. 

Organic and Sustainable Agriculture

The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) offers an educational framework for developing organic grain production in the Upper Midwest. Whether you farm 10 acres or 10,000, are an experienced organic grower or just considering the transition to organic, OGRAIN provides learning opportunities to improve your organic row crop and small grain operation. From weed control to marketing, grain storage to termination of specific cover crops, the OGRAIN community of experienced growers, researchers, industry experts and others is here to support you.

OGRAIN works with university researchers, extension experts, and community partners to develop and share resources, build relationships, and connect with farmers and other organic grain stakeholders. UW-Madison partners include the Cereals Breeding and Quantitative Genetics and Seed to Kitchen Collaborative programs, as well as nonprofit stakeholders including the Artisan Grain Collaborative, MOSES, and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute.

Turfgrass Pathology

The overall goal of the Koch Lab’s Extension Program is twofold:

1. To disseminate science-based solutions to current problems facing the turfgrass industry out to general public and to turfgrass managers in Wisconsin and elsewhere in an innovative and efficient manner.

2. To funnel current and anticipated future problems facing the turfgrass industry into the research program so that research can be developed to address those problems.

Future extension initiatives will include reduced-input or reduced-risk turfgrass management, and will rely heavily on collaborative input and discussion among people within and outside of the turfgrass industry to make them successful.

The Turfgrass Science Tools page provides tools for the public and commercial turfgrass managers to help understand and manage their turfgrass needs.

Vegetable Pathology

As the UW-Extension Potato and Vegetable Pathologist, my program supports vegetable growers by providing research-based recommendations for controlling diseases during production and in storage. My research program directly feeds into my extension work. Along with a team of UW vegetable production scientists across departments, I extend knowledge through grower educational meetings, through our UW Vegetable Crop Updates Newsletter (https://vegpath.plantpath.wisc.edu/category/newsletter/) distributed online and by email, through direct email or phone consultations, and through one-on-one visits and discussion. The connections between researchers and growers are strong in WI, with growers providing extensive intellectual and farm resources in contribution to world-class applied and basic agricultural research.

Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program

Healthy seed potatoes are the key to success for potato growers and seed potato certification helps growers raise a profitable crop.

Since 1913, the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP) has inspected and certified Wisconsin seed potatoes. The WSPCP, which is in the UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, started as a collaboration between farmers and UW faculty. Both the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection also provide program oversight.

Our goal is to provide potato farmers with seed potato planting stock that is healthy and without varietal mixture.

We do this through inspections and laboratory testing of the seed potato crop and through the expertise of Wisconsin seed potato growers. Early generation seed potato stocks produced in our potato tissue culture laboratory and at the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm aid in this endeavor by providing Wisconsin farmers with a reliable source of healthy seed potatoes.

UW Integrated Pest and Crop Management

The University of Wisconsin Integrated Pest and Crop Management (IPCM)  programs—Nutrient and Pest Management Program (NPM) and Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM)—work cooperatively to address critical issues regarding pest management, pesticide use, and nutrient management by Wisconsin farmers and landowners.

Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

The PDDC provides assistance in identifying plant diseases and provides educational information on plant diseases and their control. PDDC clients include agricultural and horticultural producers (e.g., farmers, nursery owners), agricultural and horticultural professionals (e.g., crop consultants, arborists), home gardeners, Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers, and state and local government (e.g., Wisconsin DNR, city and county foresters).

Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab

The Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab (TDL) provides fast and accurate diagnostic information and management recommendations for all turf health issues concerning both commercial turfgrass managers and homeowners. Proper diagnosis and management can provide a lush, healthy stand of turf with limited pesticide applications that will benefit the environment, increase property values, and allow for recreational activity. The Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab is a nonprofit service supported by faculty and staff in the departments of Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Soil Science, and Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Nematode Diagnostic Clinic

Nematodes outnumber every other animal on the planet.  Most nematodes in agricultural fields are beneficial to soil health, but some genera are parasites capable of causing yield loss to many crops. Nematode pests are not likely to disappear once they have invaded a field, but they can be managed.  Our assay service identifies plant parasitic nematodes to the genus level and estimates their potential to cause yield loss.  An accurate profile of the types and numbers of pest nematodes is important for explaining damage to the current crop, predicting damage to future crops, and selecting appropriate measures to keep nematode pests from reaching damaging levels.