For almost a century, the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology has worked
towards advancing knowledge about microorganisms and abiotic stresses that cause plant
diseases and their management in Louisiana's crops. Plant diseases and environmental
stress significantly limit crop production in the state, with new diseases emerging
from changes in crop varieties, cultural practices, and genetic shifts in pathogen
populations. The department's faculty focuses on improving management strategies for
plant pathogens like fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, as well as environmental
stressors such as temperature extremes, excess moisture, and mineral toxicities.
Through research, extension, and teaching programs, the department aims to improve disease management in Louisiana's commodities, including corn, cotton, fruit crops, grain crops, ornamentals, rice, soybean, sugarcane, sweet potato, turfgrass, vegetable crops, and coastal plants.
Read more about the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology.
The Plant Diagnostic Center is one-stop shopping for all plant health problems and provides services for ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, agronomic crops, trees and turfgrass. In addition to providing routine diagnostic services, the center is involved in detection, testing, surveying and extension outreach of high impact plant pathogens and pests.
Dr. Vinson P. Doyle is an associate professor of mycology in the Department of Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology. He teaches both a graduate and undergraduate course in mycology. Dr. Doyle is an excellent graduate and undergraduate mentor. He engages his students in a professional experience where they are able to obtain experiential hands-on learning along with critical thinking skills that will help prepare them for post-graduate careers.
