Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences

Question 1

Jan Byrne

Answer 1

Jan Byrne, Ph.D.

Plant Pathologist, Academic Specialist
Center for Integrated Plant Systems
General areas of expertise:

Plant disease diagnosis
Disease management
Evaluation of abiotic factors that affect plant health

Phytophthora ramorum detection

Overview of current program:
I am a member of a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team; as such I am primarily responsible for the diagnosis of plant diseases. Annually, our lab receives approximately 1,000 – 1,500 plant samples for plant health analysis. These samples are primarily from within Michigan and represent both commercial growers and private citizens.

Additionally, I enjoy collaborations with my department colleagues that allow us to recognize and address challenges to Michigan’s agriculture. Through some of these collaborations we have implemented molecular-based diagnostic techniques that were developed in research programs and augment traditional methods.

As part of a federal program, I receive samples for Phytophthora ramorum testing. While not currently present in Michigan, this is an extremely destructive pathogen and is a potential threat to Michigan’s forests and nursery industry.

Michigan States’ Diagnostic Services Lab is the regional center for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network. As such I work closely with our network of diagnosticians to promote continued collaboration and training for diagnosticians.

Question 2

Answer 2

Kimberly A. Cassida, Ph.D.

Forage Extension Specialist
“forage and cover crops. Her research and extension programming focuses on alfalfa and grass management for hay and haylage, use of perennials and cover crops as pasture for cattle and sheep, and the interactions among soils, plants, and animals in integrated crop-livestock systems.”

Question 3

Answer 3

Martin Chilvers, Ph.D.

General areas of expertise:

Fungal biology, epidemiology, fungal genetics, host-pathogen interactions, diseases of field and vegetable crops, nucleic methods of pathogen detection

Overview of current program:

Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) is caused by the fungus Fusarium virguliforme, and has potential to significantly reduce yields. The 2010 growing season saw unprecedented levels of SDS across Michigan and north central states. Observations indicate that SDS appears to be established in the lower half of Michigan and is moving north. SDS is a difficult disease to detect and monitor as it is soil borne and does not always produce distinctive foliar symptoms. In addition, foliar SDS symptoms can often be confused with other soybean diseases. We are mapping the distribution of F. virguliforme in Michigan to county level and examining it’s interaction with the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) using a combination of molecular and culturing techniques. We are also developing and refining greenhouse screening techniques for SDS resistance in collaboration with MSU’s soybean breeder Dr. Dechun Wang.

Sclerotinia white mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a devastating disease of many crop plants and can cause significant economic losses in pea under the appropriate environmental conditions. We are interested in dissecting the pea-Sclerotinia sclerotiorum interaction by examining the host and pathogen mRNA expression profile with next generation sequencing technology. Despite being Mendel’s model system, few genomic resources exist for pea. The expression profiling studies will provide valuable information on the genetics of the interaction between host and pathogen. Identification of genes and pathways involved in partial resistance will lead to a better understanding of the interaction and development of markers for breeding resistance to S. sclerotiorum. We envisage that these studies will lead to further insights and solutions for development of resistant material not only in pea but in other crops affected by Sclerotinia spp.

We have a strong interest in the development and more importantly application of molecular detection assays including high-through put systems and have worked on the development and application of several real-time PCR and standard PCR multiplex assays. My program is particularly interested in utilizing genomic resources and nuclide acid detection technologies to improve our understanding of fungal biology, disease etiology and epidemiology.

Extension and outreach activities:

Extension activities include participation in field days, annual meetings, publication of Field Crop Advisory Team (http://ipmnews.msu.edu/fieldcrop/) alerts throughout the season as disease issues develop. As well as participation in the Legume ipmPIPE (http://legume.ipmpipe.org/cgi-bin/sbr/public.cgi) and Asian soybean rust ipmPIPE (http://sbr.ipmpipe.org/cgi-bin/sbr/public.cgi) programs by providing disease observation data for Michigan and assisting with national commentary.

Question 4

Answer 4

Karen Cichy, Ph.D.

Adjunct USDA Assistant Professor

Overview of Current Program:
Dr. Cichy’s research is focused on the genetic characterization of seed traits related to consumer acceptance and nutritional and culinary quality of dry bean. Her research group employs molecular and traditional genetic techniques including mapping, mutation screening, and gene expression analysis to determine genetic control of seed quality traits. The use and development of rapid phenotypic screening is a major objective to foster screening of large numbers of genotypes. Some of Dr. Cichy’s current research activities include:

Characterizing genetic variability in processing quality and color retention of black beans
Development of improved bean germplasm
Identification and characterization of beans with low raffinose/low stachyose levels Examination of the impact of selection for agronomic traits on seed nutrient composition
Identification of genes involved in seed micronutrient accumulation
Improving the nitrogen fixation capacity of dry bean

Question 5

Answer 5

Julie Cotton

Program Coordinator and Adviser for the SAFS program

Question 6

Answer 6

David Douches, Ph.D.

Professor and Director of MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program; Director of USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Partnership, Director of Plant Breeding Genetics and Biotechnology Graduate Program

General Areas of Expertise:

Potato breeding and genetics: cytogenetics, polyploid genetics,

Question 7

Answer 7

Eunice Foster, Ph.D.

Professor - Student recruitment and development; K-20 STEM Education; formerly research in Crop Physiology

Research
Nitrogen partitioning and remobilization
Physiological mechanisms of drought
resistance in legumes

Courses Taught:

CSS 054: Crop Production
CSS 101: Introduction to Crop Science
CSS 120: Agricultural Industry Issues
CSS 212: Advanced Crop Production
CSS 380: Crop Physiology

Question 8

Answer 8

Kevin W. Frank, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Extension Turf Specialist

General area of expertise: Turfgrass nutrition, winter injury, and irrigation.

Overview of current program:

Develop management programs and provide recommendations to produce high quality, sustainable turfgrass systems.

Dr. Frank’s extension responsibilities include:

Organizing and conducting educational events in cooperation with the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation including the Michigan Turfgrass Field Day and the Michigan Turfgrass Conference.
Writing weekly updates throughout the season that are published through the MSU Turf Tips and Clippings Blog (www.msuturf.blogspot.com) and the MSUE News website (http://msue.anr.msu.edu).

Serves as the MSU Turfgrass Committee Chair and as the MSU Turf Team liaison to industry stakeholders including the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, Michigan Green Industry Association, and Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association.

Other extension activities include speaking and appearing at numerous extension events and meetings; visits to golf courses, athletic fields, and turf sites throughout the state to diagnose problems and provide solutions; consulting with county extension educators for diagnosing problems and providing recommendations.

Dr. Frank’s research areas:

Dr. Frank’s research program focuses on developing turfgrass nutrition programs, assessing the environmental fate of fertilizer applications to turfgrass, investigating irrigation practices, and management strategies to alleviate winterkill of turfgrass. Dr. Frank conducts turfgrass cultivar evaluations through the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program and also conducts fertilizer product evaluations in turfgrass.

Publications:

Lee, S.K., K.W. Frank, J. Crum, and D. Warncke. 2013. Phosphorus and nitrogen rate effects for turfgrass sod established on a phosphorus deficient soil. Int.Turf Soc. Res. J. 12:p. 207-215.

Frank, K.W., and E. Guertal. 2013. Nitrogen Research in Turfgrass. In Stier, J.C., B.P. Horgan, and S.A. Bonos (eds.) Turfgrass: Biology, Use, and Management. Madison, WI: American Society of Agronomy.

Frank, K.W., and E. Guertal. 2013. Potassium and Phosphorus Research in Turfgrass. In Stier, J.C., B.P. Horgan, and S.A. Bonos (eds.) Turfgrass: Biology, Use, and Management. Madison, WI: American Society of Agronomy.

Bauer, S., B. Horgan, E. Watkins, A. Hathaway, R. Calhoun, and K.W. Frank. 2012. Establishment of creeping bentgrass in annual bluegrass fairways using glyphosate and inter seeding. Applied Turfgrass Science 10. www.plantmanagementnetwork.org.proxy1.cl.msu.edu/sub/ats/research/2012/establish/establish.pdf. doi: 10.1094/ATS-2012-0127-01-RS.

Guertal, E. and K.W. Frank. 2012. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer in turfgrasses. In Topicos Atuais Em Gramados III. Fundacao de Estudos e Pesquisas Agricolas e Florestais.

Frank, Kevin W., Yost, Ben. 2012 Turfgrass Management. In Master Gardener Manual, ed. Mary Wilson, East Lansing: MSUE.

Frank, Kevin W. 2012. Golf Course Maintenance. In Contemporary Club Management (3rd edition), eds. Joe Perdue and Jason Koenigsfeld. CMAA, Alexandria, VA.

Lee, S.K., K.W. Frank, and J. Crum. 2010. The Effect of Rootzone Mix and Compaction on Nitrogen Leaching in Kentucky bluegrass. Korean Turfgrass Science 24 (1): 45-49.

Butler, T., K.W. Frank, and J. Bryan. Turfgrass development as influenced by phosphate and phosphite nutrient applications. 2009. Int. Turfgrass Res. J. 11:979-986.

Gaussoin, R., K. Frank, T. Butler,H. Liu, C. Baldwin and W. Sarvis. 2009. Foliar uptake of nutrients applied in solution to Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.), Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua var. reptans (Hausskn.) Timm) and Ultra-Dwarf Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy). Proc. Int. Plnt. Nutrition Colloquium. Paper 1396.

Frank, K.W. 2008. Nitrogen fate in a mature Kentucky bluegrass turf. In M Nett, M.J. Carroll,

Question 9

Answer 9

David Gilstrap, Ph.D.

Sports and Commercial Turf Management 2 year program coordinator

Question 10

Answer 10

Andrey Guber, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

General Areas of Expertise:

Soil science with the emphasis on soil physics, soil hydrology and modeling water flow, solute and microbial transport in soils.

Current Research Interests:

Role of soil physical properties in environmental and contaminant hydrology, fate and transport of manure-borne bacteria in environment, model abstraction and interrelationships between processes at different scales.

Publications:

Yakirevich, A., Pachepsky, Y.A., Guber, A.K., Gish, T.J., Shelton, D.R., Cho, K.H. 2012. Modeling Transport of Escherichia coli in a Creek During and After Artificial High-Flow Events: Three Year Study and Analysis. Water Research (in review).

Guber, A.K., Pachepsky Y.A., Dao, T.H., Shelton, D.R., Sadeghi, A.M. 2012. Evaluating manure release parameters for nonpoint contaminant transport model KINEROS2/STWIR. International Journal on Ecological Modelling and Systems Ecology (in review).

Yakirevich, A., Pachepsky, Y.A., Gish, T.J., Guber, A.K., Kuznetsov, M., Cady, R.E., Nicholson, T.J. 2012. Augmentation of groundwater monitoring networks using information theory and ensemble modeling with pedotransfer functions. Journal of Hydrology (in review).

Guber, A.K., Pachepsky, Y.A., Yakirevich, A.M., Shelton, D.R., Goodrich, D.C.. Unkrich, C.L. 2012. Modeling Runoff and Microbial Overland Transport with KINEROS2/STWIR Model: Accuracy and Uncertainty as Affected by Source of Infiltration Parameters. Journal of Hydrology (in review).

Pachepsky, Y.A., Guber, A.K., Shelton, D.R., 2012. First report on the effect of a high-flow event on the pattern of E. coli distribution in sediment along a creek. Environmental Microbiology Reports (in review)

Pan, F., Y. Pachepsky, D. Jacques, A. Guber, R. Hill. 2012. Data Assimilation with Soil Water Content Sensors and Pedotransfer Functions in Soil Water Flow Modeling. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Journal 76: 829-844.

Pachepsky, Y.A., Morrow, J., Guber, A.K., Rowland, R.A., Shelton, D.R. 2012. Effect of biofilm in irrigation pipes on the microbial quality of irrigation water. Letters in Applied Microbiology. 54(3): 217-224.

Raymundo-Raymundo, E., Yu.N. Nikolskii, A.K. Guber, C. Landeros-Sanchez. 2012. Adequacy of transport parameters obtained in soil column experiments for selected chemicals. Eurasian Soil Science 45: 675–683.

Pan, F., Pachepsky, Y.A., Guber, A.K., Hill, R. 2012. Scale effects on information theory-based measures applied to streamflow patterns in two rural watersheds. Journal of Hydrology. 414-415: 99-107.

Guber, A. K., Gish, T. J., Pachepsky, Y. A., McKee, L., Nicholson, T. J., Cady, R. E. 2011. Event-based estimation of water budget components using the network of multi-sensor capacitance probes. Hydrological Science Journal 56(7), 1227–1241.

Guber, A. K., Y. A. Pachepsky, A.M. Yakirevich, D.R. Shelton, A.M. Sadeghi, D. Goodrich, K. Unkrich. 2011. Uncertainty in modeling of Faecal coliform overland transport associated with manure application in Maryland. Hydrological Processes, 25:2393-2404.

Pan, F., Pachepsky, Y. A., Guber, A. K. Hill, R. 2011. Information and Complexity Measures Applied to Observed and Simulated Soil Moisture Time Series. Hydrological Science Journal, 56(6): 1027–1039.

Hadzick, Z., Guber, A. K., Pachepsky, Y. A., Hill, R., Gish, T.J. 2011. Pedotransfer functions in soil electrical resistivity estimation. Geoderma 164:195-202.

Pachepsky, Y. A., Rowland, R.A., Guber, A. K. 2011. Sensitivity of the Enviroscan soil moisture capacitance probe to the presence of artificial macropores. Soil Science 176: 1-9.

Kyung, H.C., Y.A. Pachepsky, H.K. Joon, A.K. Guber, D.R. Shelton, R.A. Rowland. 2010. Release of Escherichia coli from the bottom sediment in a small first-order creek: Experiment and Modeling. Journal of Hydrology 391: 322-332.

Raymundo-Raymundo, E., J. Hernandez-Vargas, Yu. N. Nikol’skii, A. K. Guber, F. Gavi- Reyes. B.L. Prado-Pano, B. Figueroa-Sandoval, and J. R. Mendosa-Hernandez. 2010. Determination of the Atrazine Migration Parameters in Vertisol. Eurasian Soil Science, 2010, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 565–572.

Question 11

Answer 11

Ray Hammerschmidt, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology & Faculty Coordinator of MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics

General areas of expertise:
Physiology and biochemistry of resistance and disease; induced resistance.

Overview of current program:
Plants are subjected to infection and attack by many different pathogens. However, the evolution of multiple defenses has allowed plants to effectively defend themselves against many of these attacks. Although many potential constitutive and induced defenses have been identified, the specific role and contribution of each to defense have been defined in only a few cases. Current research is involved in elucidating the nature and role of these defenses in several plant-pathogen systems using cytological, chemical, biochemical and molecular techniques. The major goals are to determine which mechanisms of defense are most important in the expression of resistance. Specific projects include elucidating the nature of the local and systemic induced resistance response of cucumber to fungal pathogens, the chemistry and role of phytoanticipins in periderm tissues as part of passive defense, and the biochemical aspects of herbicide-disease interactions

Question 12

Answer 12

Linda Hanson, Ph.D.

USDA-ARS Research Plant Pathologist and Adjunct Professor - Focus on soil-borne pathogens, particularly fungi, sugar beet and rotation crops, diversity and interaction w/ cropping systems.

General areas of expertise:
Mycology, Soil-borne diseases

.

Question 13

Answer 13

Mary Hausbeck, Ph.D.

University Distinguished Professor and Extension Specialist

My program responsibilities reflect Michigan’s diversity and currently include asparagus, snap bean, broccoli, carrot, celery, cucurbits (cucumber, melon, pumpkin, squash), onion, pepper, tomato, greenhouse vegetable transplants, ginseng and hop. I am also involved in floriculture crops, with emphasis on poinsettia, geranium, cut flowers, bedding plants, and herbaceous potted plants. Although my laboratory is involved in a wide variety of research projects reflective of my broad commodity responsibility, my overall goal is to reduce Michigan growers’ reliance on fungicides through novel and integrated management strategies and enhanced knowledge of pathogen etiology and epidemiology.

Question 14

Answer 14

Sasha Kravchenko, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Soil spatial variability at scales from micro-aggregates to landscapes; statistical and geostatistical methods of data analysis

General areas of expertise:

Spatial variability in agroecosystems as a function of landscape, topography, and soil properties. Studied my means of statistics, geostatistics and fractal/multifractal methods.

Research Interests:
Specific interests are understanding the role of soil structure, including properties and internal characteristics of soil aggregates, on intra-aggregate water, air, heat, and carbon fluxes; and the role of the interactive influences of land use and management, soil properties and topography on carbon spatial variability across agricultural fields and landscapes.

Question 15

Answer 15

Richard Lenski, Ph.D.

Hannah Professor

Microbial ecology, genetics and evolution; evolution of pathogen virulence; experiments with ‘digital’ organisms.

Question 16

Answer 16

Hui Li, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Environmental and Soil Chemistry

Research Interests:
Environmental occurrence and fate of emerging contaminants
Interaction of pharmaceuticals/organic contaminants/pesticides with soils and soil components
Plant uptake of organic contaminants
Environmental remediation technology
Soil fertility and nutrient cycling

Question 17

Answer 17

Chris Long

Potato Extension Specialist

Applying potato related research to real world agriculture.

Question 18

Answer 18

A. Pouyan Nejadhashemi, Ph.D.

University Foundation Professor

General areas of expertise:
Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of water quality mitigation approaches to address climate change
Environmental impact assessment
Soft computing applications in water resources
Development of Decision Support System (DSS) for human impact evaluation on ecosystem sustainability
Evaluation and development of watershed/water quality models
Description, analysis and prevention of non-point source pollution at laboratory, field, watershed and regional scales

Question 19

Answer 19

Thomas Nikolai, Ph.D.

Specialist

Associate Coordinator of the 2-year Golf Turfgrass Management program

Question 20

Answer 20

Eric Olson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Wheat Breeding and Genetic

Question 21

Answer 21

Karen Renner, Ph.D.
Professor

Weed seedbank dynamics

Research Interests:

Weed seedbank dynamics including: Weed seed rain. Weed emergence by growing degree days. Weed seed dormancy due to maternal effects. Weed seed predation and weed seed decay. Influence of fertilizer on weed seed germination and emergence.

Question 22

Answer 22

G. Philip Robertson, Ph.D.

University Distinguished Professor
W. K. Kellogg Biological Station
Hickory Corners, MI 49060

Agricultural ecology, biogeochemistry, and climate change

General areas of expertise:

Biogeochemistry of field crop ecosystems and landscapes, in particular carbon and nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas fluxes, and plant-microbe responses to climate change.

Question 23

Answer 23

John ‘Trey’ Rogers, Ph.D.
Professor

Coordinator - Sports Turf and Golf Turf Management Programs; Turfgrass Research - Golf course renovations

General areas of expertise:

Turfgrass Management

Overview of current program:

Research focus on turfgrass establishment for golf course construction and renovation

Question 24

Answer 24

Christy Sprague, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Understanding weed crop interactions and determine ways to manipulate these interactions to improve overall weed management syst

Research Interests

Dr. Sprague’s research and extension program focuses on integrated weed management, biology, ecology, and management of emerging problematic weeds, and understanding the interactions with weeds and other pests and pest/crop management practices. Her program emphasizes weed management in soybeans, sugar beets, dry beans, and potatoes.

Question 25

Answer 25

Kurt Steinke, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Applied research and outreach across sugarbeet, corn, soybean, wheat, and potato production systems. General areas of expertise: Sugarbeet, corn, soybean, wheat, potato, and turfgrass Research interests include improving the ecological efficiency and refining nutrient management strategies for a broad array of production agricultural systems, evaluating the environmental impacts of managed ecosystems, managing phosphorus-enriched stormwater runoff, environmental stress physiology and management, and drought and water management.

Question 26

Answer 26

George Sundin, Ph.D. Professor Plant bacteriology; host pathogen interactions; fruit tree disease management; bacterial plasmid biology; microbial evolution. General areas of expertise: Plant bacteriology; host pathogen interactions; fruit tree disease management; bacterial plasmid biology; microbial evolution. Research: My current research centers on the Erwinia amylovora fire blight pathosystem with projects ranging from basic studies of pathogen-host interactions to developing improved chemical and biological approaches for fire blight management. We are currently working on the regulation of the major pathogenicity determinants type III secretion and amylovoran exopolysaccharide by regulatory small RNAs and cyclic di-GMP. We have recently shown the importance of biofilm formation to E. amylovora pathogenesis, invasion of xylem, and systemic spread of the pathogen within trees. We also study E. amylovora plasmids, streptomycin resistance, and are developing and evaluating strategies to increase the potential for biological control of fire blight in the midwest and eastern United States. My work with fungal tree fruit pathogens in Michigan focuses on detecting, tracking, and understanding the evolution of fungicide resistance in organisms such as Venturia inaequalis (apple scab), Blumeriella jaapii (cherry leaf spot), and Monilinia fructicola (American brown rot). We have worked on resistance to sterol demethylation inhibitors, strobilurins, and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor classes of fungicides. Extension: I have Extension responsibilities in tree fruit disease control. My research includes field and lab studies covering management of fire blight and apple scab of apple, cherry leaf spot, American and European brown rot, and bacterial canker of sweet and tart cherry, and bacterial spot of peach, nectarine, and plum. We also actively work on fungicide resistance in apple and cherry pathogens, and the evaluation of new bactericides and fungicides for disease management in apple, cherry (sweet and tart cherry), and peach. The goals of my Extension program are to provide timely information and recommendations on management of tree fruit diseases to growers in Michigan and in other fruit-growing regions. Extension updates on disease issues are published on the MSUE News website and through presentations at various grower meetings. Disease control recommendations are updated yearly in the MSU Fruit Management Guide. Fruit tree disease management video resources are also available from the Sundin lab.

Question 27

Answer 27

Brian Teppen, Ph.D. Professor "Research Interests: Surface structures of environmentally relevant colloidal materials Adsorption mechanisms for gaseous and solution species interacting with solid phases in soils and sediments; implications for geochemical transport and fate Anthropogenic modification of natural surfaces to optimize adsorbent behavior"

Question 28

Answer 28

Kurt Thelen, Ph.D. Professor - Bioenergy Cropping Systems; and, Director, MSU-Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center His research program is focused on developing bioenergy crop systems that increase food, feed, and energy security while safeguarding soil, air, water, and biodiversity.

Question 29

Answer 29

Frances Trail, Ph.D. Professor Mycology; host-pathogen interactions General areas of expertise: Mycology, host-pathogen interactions Ascospore discharge Perithecium Development Fusarium graminearum shoots its spores out of small water cannons, called asci. One of our major projects is investigating the way these cannons work. We would like to design controls to stop ascospore discharge, as many plant pathogens rely on this phenomenon to start an epidemic. READ MORE. Fusarium graminearum produces fruiting bodies on the surface of crop residues in the field. It turns out that the development of these perithecia is intimately tied to the host life cycle. READ MORE. Mycotoxins Fusarium graminearum produces many secondary metabolites. One of them functions as a pathogenicity factor to kill the plant. One is an estrogen mimick and will bind to the human estrogen receptor. There are more than 50 of these compounds, many unique to this species. What are they used for? How do they impact the life cycle? A primary focus of our lab is to answer these questions.

Question 30

Answer 30

Dechun Wang, Ph.D. Associate Professor Soybean genetics/genomics; to improve plant performance, host plant resistance and seed chemical composition. Research Interests: Soybean breeding and genetics; Soybean molecular genetics; applications of molecular techniques in plant breeding

Question 31

Answer 31

Cholani K. Weebadde, Ph.D. Associate Professor Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture and Institute of International Agriculture International Outreach Coordinator, Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center Extension Team Lead, RosBREED Coordinator, International Molecular Plant Breeding Program Thematic Team Leader for Biotechnology, South Asia Partnership Initiative Director, MSU-Sri Lanka Linkage Program Biography Cholani Weebadde is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Horticulture and Institute of International Agriculture (IIA) at Michigan State University. She also serves as the Associate Director of the World Technology Access Program (WorldTAP). She received her Ph.D. degree with a dual major in Genetics and the Plant Breeding and Genetics programs of Michigan State University in 2005. Dr. Weebadde is actively involved in biotechnology capacity building programs and is a member of the Biosafety Team at MSU for the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) Project and earlier for the USAID Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) and played a key role in the biosafety training of trainer (ToT) program and the one year certificate program in biosafety at MSU. She has also actively participated in biotechnology and biosafety capacity building programs with several countries including Indonesia, Egypt, Ghana, India, Mali, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Uganda. She currently serves as the Thematic team leader for Biotechnology in the South Asia Partnership initiative at MSU. In collaboration with the Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center (PBROC) and the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology program at MSU, she established and coordinates an annual International Short Course in Molecular Plant Breeding. This program has also been offered overseas. In addition, she coordinates and manages two other annual short courses of WorldTAP: Environmantal Biosafety and Biotechnology. Dr. Weebadde initiated the MSU-Sri Lanka Partnership Program at MSU that has created a platform for collaborative projects and professional exchange programs with the country. Her collaborative research efforts with Sri Lanka include improvement of Cowpea and Rice varieties using traditional and molecular plant breeding approaches. Dr. Weebadde also serves as the Extension Team Lead for RosBREED, a project that is enabling molecular marker assisted breeding in rosaceous crops (www.rosbreed.org).

Question 32

Answer 32

Wei Zhang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor My research focuses on the movement of water, solutes, and particles in natural and engineered systems of emerging importance. General areas of expertise: Hydrology, soil physics, colloidal and interfacial science, environmental nanotechnology, contaminant fate and transport. Overview of current program: The Soil and Water Research Lab at MSU is dedicated to fundamental and applied research that will help the society successfully safeguard and responsibly utilize soil and water resources. Current research activities are mainly focused on the movement of water, solutes, and particles in natural and engineered systems, particularly in the unsaturated soils (i.e., the vadose zone). The ultimate goal of the lab’s research is to promote protection of soil and water resources and sustainable agricultural production through understanding of fundamental transport processes and scientifically-sound management practices.

Question 33

Answer 33

Katherine Gross KBS causes and consequences of species diversity in plant communities. My current research focuses on how nutrient input and management impacts the diversity, productivity and composition of grasslands.

Question 34

Answer 34

Carolyn Malmstrom Plant and landscape ecology; plant virus ecology; disturbance ecology; remote sensing; global change; sustainability; restoration.

Question 35

Answer 35

Doug Schemske The goal of my research is to characterize the mechanisms of adaptation

Question 36

Answer 36

Yair Shachar-Hill The arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, non-photosynthetic one carbon metabolism, metabolic engineering, plant NMR spectroscopy

Question 37

Answer 37

Frances Trail Development in filamentous fungi and host-pathogen interactions using genetics, genomics and physiological approaches

Question 38

Answer 38

Gregory Bonito Mycology, plant-fungal interactions, truffle ecology, evolution of bacterial endosymbiosis in fungi.

Question 39

Answer 39

Bruno Basso "Biophysics, Climatology, Hydrology, Genetics, Agronomy, and Soil Science to understand the overall agricultural systems and to improve decision-making across a broad spectrum of stakeholders"

Question 40

Answer 40

Chris Blackwood "Research in my lab examines ecology and evolution of plants and microorganisms, with a focus on belowground interactions. Understanding the ecology of soil organisms is critical for predicting future ecosystem conditions and developing management strategies for sustainability. We are particularly interested in the critical roles of soil-plant-microbe interactions in shaping plant communities, ecosystem processes, and soil carbon dynamics. Current and recent projects have addressed 1. coexistence of closely related plant species, 2. cascading effects of tree root traits on pathogen populations and soil carbon, 3. forest restoration, 4. performance of urban green roofs. "

Question 41

Answer 41

Gregory Bonito Our lab studies the ecology and evolution of plant-fungal-bacterial associations, with a particular interest in belowground root associated fungi including truffles, mushrooms & molds. These organisms provide important links between plants and soils, and are functionally important to plant health and nutrition as well as nutrient cycles and the flow of energy through terrestrial ecosystems. Our research makes use of phylogenetics, high-throughput sequencing, isotope tracers and –omics approaches to better understand: Phylogenetic and functional diversity of root-associated fungi. Environmental and genetic factors that structure root microbiome communities. The evolution and functional relevance of bacterial symbionts of fungi.

Question 42

Answer 42

Erin Burns "Dr. Burns’ research and extension program focuses on current and emerging problematic weeds in Michigan cropping systems. "

Question 43

Answer 43

Grace Fleming "My overarching interest is in uncovering the modes and consequences of cryptobiotic changes occurring in seeds, outside the context of germination. These changes can support later germination, as with dormancy release, or can cause germination to fail, and the mechanisms seeds employ to encourage the former and avoid the latter are a critical research area for crop cultivation, weed management, and genebank storage, with potential applications for space travel, human longevity, and resilience in the face of a changing climate. My research to date has used holistic analyses of seed transcriptomes to characterize responses to controlled environments. "

Question 44

Answer 44

Brian Horgan "Brian Horgan is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University. Previously, he spent 18 years on the faculty in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. He holds degrees from Michigan State University, North Carolina State University and the University of Illinois. Horgan’s research interests focus on developing and integrating sustainability metrics for golf facilities. Specifically, his research seeks to position golf courses as urban greenspaces that provide economic and community value through ecosystems services. He lectures around the world on these topics. "

Question 45

Answer 45

Michelle Hulin "My research focuses on bacterial evolution to understand how new pathogenic lineages emerge on plants with the aim to determine the factors that influence disease emergence in the field. Specifically, we study the role of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as plasmids and prophage in bacterial evolution. "

Question 46

Answer 46

Krista Isaacs "My research program in seed systems for smallholder farmers is rooted in a transdisciplinary perspective that integrates participatory processes, crop ecology and plant breeding with gender studies. This research focuses on improving smallholder access and availability to preferred, quality seed in Africa and Latin America."

Question 47

Answer 47

Sarah Lebeis "My lab aims to uncover how plants and microbes each contribute to host microbiome assembly. Although we study these aspects in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana, we also investigate several other systems to extend the importance of our findings."

Question 48

Answer 48

Emily Merewitz-Holm Assistant Professor - Plant physiologist; abiotic & biotic stresses of turfgrass and crop species; whole-plant, biochemical, & molecular techniques. Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Research Interests and Current Projects: Management strategies to reduce wheat winterkill; Quantifying physiological consequences and management options for tar spot in corn production; Characterizing turfgrass plant induced defenses in response to annual bluegrass weevil feeding; High throughput phenotyping of turfgrass photosynthetic and growth responses to drought; Winter hardiness of malting barley in Michigan; Using physiological and hormone indicators to develop a novel winter preparatory management strategy for winter wheat.

Question 49

Answer 49

Timothy Miles "General areas of expertise: Focused on diseases of hops, blueberries, grapes and other berry crops. Topics of study currently include: mycology, genomics, population genetics, pathogen detection, molecular diagnostics and host resistance."

Question 50

Answer 50

James Moran "Dr. Moran has extensive experience with stable isotope analysis of light elements (H, C, O, N) using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and a wide array of different peripheral devices including gas chromatography, elemental analysis, gas bench, dual inlet, and laser ablation sample introduction approaches. Dr. Moran also has recent experience with innovative spectroscopy techniques including capillary absorption spectroscopy for making stable isotope measurements. He has applied his experience in stable isotope measurement and data interpretation to applications in ecology, microbial ecology, forensics, environmental science, and soil science applications. "

Question 51

Answer 51

Rachel Naegele USDA-ARS Adjunct Assistant Professor - Sugarbeet genetics/breeding Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Question 52

Answer 52

Eric Patterson "Dr. Patterson's research program utilizes the most current techniques in genomics to understand the structure and plasticity of weedy genomes and how that plasticity influences the success of weedy species. We are especially interested in how genome rearrangements (i.e. transposable elements and copy number variation) form and are utilized as novel sources of genetic variation for weed adaptation to abiotic stresses. We also work on herbicides and how they affect plant physiology and how resistance evolves on rapid timescales in weedy species. Finally, Dr. Patterson provides technical support for the efforts of the International Weed Genomes Consortium (IWGC)."

Question 53

Answer 53

SEUNG YON (SUE) RHEE, PH.D. MSU Foundation Professor-Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, and Plant, Soil & Microbiology and Director of MSU’s Plant Resilience Institute Dr. Rhee’s group strives to understand how plants adapt and acclimate to changes in temperature, water availability, or nutrient limitation. They are also interested in decoding biological traits from molecular to organism scales. In addition, they are developing translational research programs involving engineering resilience and metabolic traits in bioenergy and cover crops.

Question 54

Answer 54

Alejandro Rojas "My research has been focused on the biology and the genetics of fungi and oomycetes and their interactions with plants. My research is focused on the understanding of endophytic and root associate fungi and their interactions with plants using different ‘omic approaches. My research encompasses applied and basic research to characterize the population and community ecology of fungi and oomycetes that interact with plants in the rhizosphere and soil environment."

Question 55

Answer 55

Joan Rose Homer Nowlin Endowed Chair in Water Research; Professor; Co-Director, Center for Water Sciences and Center for Advancing Microbial Risk Assessment "Dr. Rose and her team focus on the study of water quality and health. There are four areas of interest: New methods for the study of the water microbiome. Survey of microbial source tracking and pathogens in watersheds, beaches, drinking water. Removal of pathogens by treatment. Quantitative microbial risk assessment."

Question 56

Answer 56

Hatem Rouached Assistant Professor; Plant Mineral nutrition: sensing, signaling, and transport

Question 57

Answer 57

Maninder Singh "Dr. Singh’s research, extension, and teaching program at MSU focuses on current and emerging issues in cropping systems of Michigan with an overall goal to improve the productivity, profitability, and resiliency of these systems. Variety selection (G) and improved management (M) strategies are explored in the context of climatic patterns, modern farming practices, and economic conditions. Current research is focused on management practices such as planting methods including the role of seed placement accuracy, planting time and density, crop diversity, harvest decisions including drydown, and plant-pathogen interactions in corn, soybean, and wheat-based cropping systems."

Question 58

Answer 58

Christine Sprunger "Her research focuses on the intersection of agriculture and the environment, where she investigates how various agricultural management practices impacts soil health and ecosystem services. In addition, Dr. Sprunger is interested in understanding how nematode communities can serve as a key soil biological health indicator within agroecosystems. Lastly, Dr. Sprunger explores how climate change impacts rhizosphere dynamics and soil food webs."

Question 59

Answer 59

Addie Thompson "At the most broad level, my lab is interested in studying maize as well as sorghum, and how different genotypes grow in different environments. We use many technologies and approaches to investigate this area, from quantitative genetics to phenomics to statistical and physiological modeling. Emphasis is placed on addressing biologically meaningful and agriculturally relevant questions, with both domestic and international potential applications. "

Question 60

Answer 60

Barrett Wessell "Dr. Wessel’s research generally focuses on the genesis, morphology, and management of soils. His specialty is wetland and subaqueous soils, but he maintains interests in other soils and landscapes including agricultural soils, as well as urban and anthropogenic soils. Michigan has a rich diversity of both native and invasive shellfish and aquatic plants; these organisms have preferences for the substrates that they inhabit, and they can alter those substrates in ways that impact water quality. By understanding those preferences and mechanisms of alteration, we can better use limited conservation and restoration resources to manage watersheds and aquatic ecosystems to improve water quality."

Question 61

Answer 61

Jaime Willbur "Our research and extension program aims to develop integrated management strategies for current and emerging potato and sugar beet diseases. Current investigations of pathogen biology, ecology, and disease epidemiology help us develop tools, including predictive models and remote sensing technologies, for use in effective and economical disease management."