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Walter F. Mahaffee
Associate Professor (Courtesy) Ph.D., 1996, Auburn University, Alabama mahaffew@science.oregonstate.edu Office/Lab: USDA Horticultural Crops Research Unit |
Foliar pathology of horticulture crops: development of biological control systems; ecology/epidemiology of pathogens and biocontrol agents; and integrated pest management.
The lab is focused on understanding the ecology of microorganisms on plant surfaces, and applying that knowledge to reduce disease development in agronomic settings while enhance the economic and sustainable production of horticultural crops. The objectives of this research are to (1) characterize the biology of foliar and fruit pathogens; (2) lead the development of technical infrastructure for regional and national disease forecasting systems for plant diseases; (3) clarify the role of biofilm formation in microbial colonization of the phyllosphere; (4) develop methods for using microbial communities to control plant diseases; and (5) develop strategies for enhancing establishment and efficacy of biocontrol agents on plant surfaces. The objectives are addressed through the integration of basic and applied research, that is followed up with hands-on technology transfer efforts.
Amy Black Peetz (M.S. expected 2007)
Patricia Wallace
Falacy, J.S., Grove, G.G., Mahaffee, W.F. , Larsen, R.C., Glawe, D.A. Vandemark, G.J., and Galloway , H. 2006. Detection of Erysiphe (Uncinula) necator using the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Species-Specific Primers. Phytopathology (In Press)
Scheuerell, S.J. and Mahaffee, W.F. 2006. Variability associated with suppression of gray mold ( Botrytis cinerea ) on geranium ( Pelargonium x hortorum ) by non-aerated and aerated compost teas. Plant Disease (In Press)
Scheuerell, S.J. and Mahaffee, W.M. 2005. Inoculation of compost after peak heating needed for the rapid development of damping-off suppression caused by Pythium ultimum . Compost Science 13:65-71.
Scheuerell, S.J. ,Sullivan, D. and Mahaffee, W.M. 2005. Suppression of seedling damping-off caused by Pythium ultimum , Pythium irreg ulare , and Rhizoctonia solani in compost amended container media . Phytopathology 95:306-315.
Scheuerell, S.J. and Mahaffee, W.F. 2004. Compost tea as a container media drench for suppressing seedling damping-off caused by Pythium ultimum . Phytopathology 94:1156-1163
Turechek, W.W. and Mahaffee, W.F. 2004. Spatial pattern of hop powdery mildew in the pacific northwest. Phytopathology 94:1116-1128.
Henning, J., Townsend, S., Mahaffee, W., Kenny, S. and Honald, A. 2003 Registration of ' Newport ' hop. Crop Science 44:1018-1019
Mahaffee, W.F., Turechek, W.W., and Ocamb, C.M. 2003. Effect of variable temperature on the infection frequency of Podosphaera macularis on Humulus lupulus . Phytopathology 93:1587-1592.
