Research focuses on control of diseases of turf, ornamental and floricultural crops.
Studies emphasize the disease suppressive effects of using composted organic materials as well as various fungal and bacterial biological control agents, which should lead to more effective disease control while minimizing chemical pesticide use. Interactions between chemical and physical properties of composts and the efficacy of biocontrol agents play a central role in the research. Purcell, A. H., Saunders, S. R., Hendson, M., Grebus, M. E., Henry, M. J. 1999. Causal role of Xylella fastidiosa in oleander leaf scorch disease. Iannotti, D. A., Grebus, M. E., Toth, B. L., and Madden, L. V. 1994.