Plant Pathology

Plant pathology refers to the study of diseases which infect plants. Just like humans and other animals, plants are also susceptible to disease caused by pathogens and environmental conditions. Faculty members in the Department of Plant Pathology study organisms which cause infectious disease, such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, viroids, virus-like organisms, protozoa, nematodes, and parasitic plants. Plant pathology also involves the study of pathogen identification, disease cycles, plant disease resistance, economic impacts of plant disease, as well as how plant diseases affect humans and animals and their management.

At MREC, our team of plant pathologists conduct cutting-edge research, finding solutions for the latest pathogenic problems impacting Florida’s diverse agricultural industry. Specifically, MREC team members conduct research on Ralstonia solancearum, the casual agent of bacterial wilt of tomato, a pathogen notorious for its devastating impact on agriculture.

MREC Plant Pathologists

Dr. Ana Maria Bocsanczy
Research Assistant Scientist of Plant Pathology
407-410-6052
anamariab@ufl.edu 

Dr. Dave Norman
Associate Professor of Plant Pathology
407-410-6950
djn@ufl.edu