PhD Research |
PhD Research |
My PhD research was focused on improving biopesticide efficacy through co-application with natural products. I was primarily interested in the use of the natural product chitosan and its potential synergisms with biopesticides to improve biological control of pre- and post-harvest above-ground plant diseases. The two model systems that I worked with were apple and floriculture. These two models of woody and herbaceous plants represented two production industries of perennial field production and greenhouse product. This approach allowed us to compare results and identify practices and application strategies best suited for each system. My PhD proposal seminar can be watched here for an overview of my research.
Manuscripts
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Objectives
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In-vitro Trials:
Objectives:
- Evaluate the effect of chitosan on pathogen growth and sporulation in-vitro
- Evaluate the effect of chitosan on biocontrol agent growth in-vitro
- Evaluate the effect of chitosan and biocontrol agent on pathogen growth and sporulation in-vitro
Apple Model:
Objectives: Investigate synergisms between chitosan treatments and microbial biopesticides for suppression of apple scab, summer rots, quiescent bitter rot infections, and postharvest decay.
Apple Diseases Researching:
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Research Farm Trials:
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Floriculture Model:
Objectives: Investigate synergisms between chitosan treatments and microbial biopesticides for suppression of Botrytis infection in greenhouse floriculture.
Floriculture System: Petunia leaves and flowers infected with Botrytis cinerea
Floriculture System: Petunia leaves and flowers infected with Botrytis cinerea
Research Trials:
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