New dual-title graduate degree in microbiome sciences now available

August 31, 2022

Students interested in the study of microbiomes now can apply for the new microbiome sciences dual-title doctoral degree program, administered by Penn State’s Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Department welcomes 2022 graduate student cohort

August 29, 2022

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently welcomed five new graduate students.

Alumnus-founded startup Phospholutions announces $5.3M investment

August 19, 2022

Hunter Swisher launched the fertilizer tech company as a student at Penn State.

Plant pathologist Donald Davis retiring from Penn State after more than 50 years

August 12, 2022

Donald Davis, professor of plant pathology and environmental microbiology, is retiring after a career spanning more than 50 years in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Mid-July Issues

July 14, 2022

In this 7th Fruit Bite, Kari Peter and Don Seifrit highlight the timing for leaf analysis, aphid control, and early harvest stone fruit disease control.

Above-ground microbial communities that quell plant diseases can be developed

July 11, 2022

Microbial communities naturally living on the leaves and stems of tomato plants can be manipulated to suppress diseases that reduce productivity, according to Penn State researchers, offering hope that growers someday can apply these mixtures of bacteria and fungi to protect plants and improve harvests.

Plant pathology graduate student orientation fall 2022

July 8, 2022

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will hold several events during the week of August 17 to welcome new graduate students.

Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - All About Bitter Rot

July 8, 2022

Kari Peter and Don Seifrit interview Phillip Martin, a former Ph.D. student of Peter's, who performed his work on bitter rot. Martin tells us all about the fungal cause of the disease and management techniques.

Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology welcomes assistant research professor of nematology

July 1, 2022

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences welcomed a new faculty member on July 1.

Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Yikes! Bitter Rot!

June 16, 2022

In this Fruit Bite, Kari Peter has a big disease update. She highlights bitter rot and bitter rot control. The bacterial spot of stone fruit gets the spotlight this week, too. Bacterial spot control is discussed.

2022 Disease Update: Prevent Bitter Rot on Apple

June 15, 2022

We have entered the time when bitter rot management on apples begins. Considering we have been experiencing frequent rain showers and very warm weather, these are ideal conditions for the bitter rot fungi to wreak havoc in the orchard.

Plant pathology graduate student receives prestigious research fellowship

June 14, 2022

Olanrewaju Shittu, a doctoral candidate in the Penn State Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, has been named a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellow for 2022-2025.

Plant pathology grad student receives NSF fellowship to study grapevine disease

June 13, 2022

A graduate student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a three-year Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation, valued at more than $100,000, to study how climate change is affecting diseases that rot grapes.

Penn State Extension mushroom disorder fact sheets now available online

June 8, 2022

Experts in mushroom disease in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have produced a series of factsheets to educate industry professionals on mushroom disorders.

Penn State Extension expands resources for growers at produce auctions

June 8, 2022

Penn State Extension is expanding a program that offers educational kiosks at produce auctions across the state. These kiosks provide growers with timely, relevant information on disease and pest identification and management, invasive species, and food safety.

Ehau-Taumaunu successfully defends thesis

June 7, 2022

Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu successfully defended their thesis on June 7, 2022.

Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Orchard Highlights for Early June

June 6, 2022

In this fifth Fruit Bite, Kari Peter highlights codling moths and pheromone trapping, fire blight infections and tool cleaning and rosy apple aphid control.

Evans Family Award recognizes plant pathology graduate student

June 4, 2022

Emma Rosenthal, a doctoral candidate in plant pathology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received the 2022 Evans Family Award for Graduate Student Extension Achievement for her contribution to extension education in Pennsylvania and beyond.

USDA grant to aid Penn State scientists in exploring postharvest fruit rot

May 26, 2022

Scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have received a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant of nearly $313,000 to study the effects of postharvest fruit decay.  

Graduate student selected for Young Scientists Cohort at World Food Forum

May 26, 2022

Ram Neupane, a graduate student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will be one of 20 members of the inaugural Young Scientists Cohort at the World Food Forum.

Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Thinning Is on Our Minds!

May 19, 2022

The fourth Fruit Bite episode talks about caution during chemical thinning in response to the weather, especially after looking at models in previous weeks, fire blight and apple scab, and plum curculio.

Plant pathology professor remembered for impact on turfgrass industry, students

May 16, 2022

Wakar Uddin, professor of plant pathology and turfgrass disease specialist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, is being remembered as a respected mentor and friend who had a profound impact on plant pathology and the turfgrass industry.

2022 Department awards and scholarships recipients announced

May 11, 2022

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology announced its 2022 awards and scholarships recipients during their annual celebration on May 2 at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in State College.

Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Say NO to Fireblight!

May 10, 2022

The third Fruit Bite episode talks about fire blight, caution during chemical thinning in response to the weather, plum curculio, and white peach scale.

Graduate student receives Alumni Association Dissertation Award

May 6, 2022

Laura Kaminsky, a doctoral student in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2021-22 Alumni Association Dissertation Award.

Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Fire Blight, Apple Scab, and Mating Disruption, Oh My!

May 4, 2022

The second Fruit Bite highlights early-season issues with an emphasis on some disease pressure and insect reproduction prevention.

Plant pathology graduate student receives NSF award

April 29, 2022

Jamie Spychalla, a graduate student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been awarded the 2022 National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Penn State’s Mushroom Research Center helps spawn East African farm

April 25, 2022

A scientist from the Mushroom Research Center in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences provided guidance to a mushroom grower in East Africa that helped the grower to overcome infrastructure and production challenges.  

Fautt passes Ph.D. comprehensive exam

April 22, 2022

Congratulations to Ph.D. candidate Chad Fautt for passing their comprehensive examination.

Postdoctoral scholar joins Hockett lab

April 20, 2022

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology welcomes new postdoctoral scholar, Eoin O'Connor, who joined the Hockett lab earlier this month.