My research program is focused on two areas of epidemiological/ecological research. The first involves potato early dying (PED) caused primarily by the wilt fungus Verticillum dahliae. In cooperation with Dr. MacGuidwin, we are studying the role of nematodes in disease development. Our approach includes researching the influence of fungus and nematodes on crop physiology as well as identifying mechanisms of synergism. Methods being developed for this research include both molecular probes for rapid reliable assays and simulation models of crop growth as effected by Verticillum and interacting agents. We are studying the production of potatoes in mixed crop- livestock systems to determine the influence of reduced density of potato acreage on pest problems. Results to date suggest dramatically reduced need for pesticides. Alternative practices such as narrower row spacing and mechanical vine removal are being investigated for their influence on pest damage. This farming system approach has been a challenging departure from our single commodity- oriented work. influence on pest damage. This farming system approach has been a challenging departure from our single commodity- oriented work.

• Biology/Zoology/Botany 151/152 Introductory Biology
• Pl Path 300 Introduction to Plant Pathology
• Pl Path 559 Diseases of Economic Plants
• Pl Path 602 Ecology, Epidemiology and Control of Plant Diseases

Bae, J., Jansky, S. H., and Rouse D. I. 2008. The potential for early generation selection to identify potato clones with resistance to Verticillium wilt. Euphytica 164:385-393.

Halterman D, Jansky S, Rouse D.2009. Potato Early Dying: Molecular Perspectives on Pathogenicity and Host Resistance. In: Tennant P, Benkeblia N (Eds) Potato II. Fruit, Vegetable and Cereal Science and Biotechnology 3 (Special Issue1), 1-5

Newcomb, M., Upper, C. D., and Rouse, D. I. 2010. Factors contributing to seasonal fluctuations in rust severity on Ribes missouriense caused by Cronartium ribicola. Phytopathology 100:986-996.