We are investigating the importance of different pathways by which these fungi reach the kernels in maize plants. This includes research on survival, seed transmission, insect transmission, endophytic growth, and silk infection by these fungi. The effects of Bt corn hybrids on Fusarium diseases is a recent area of research. We have found that reducing insect injury through transgenic resistance results in less severe ear rot and lower fumonisin concentrations in grain. We are also investigating a recently discovered Fusarium mycotoxin, fusaproliferin.
Research also is underway on the efficient use of fungicides for the control of maize diseases.
This work includes the interactions between different Fusarium species and seed treatment fungicides, and the use of foliar fungicides to control an important maize leaf disease, gray leaf spot. I am involved with a multi-disciplinary project on the use of switchgrass as a renewable biomass energy source. I am investigating the occurrence of diseases, such as smut , in cultivated switchgrass. We have identified the most common diseases and are assessing management needs and options. I am also interested in the relationships between spatial patterns of diseased plants and how an understanding of spatial patterns can help in disease management through site-specific practices.