Dr. Gary Vallad
Professor of Plant Pathology
Dr. Gary Vallad’s research and extension program focuses on the diagnosing and managing diseases common to vegetable and ornamental production with an emphasis on the development and implementation of bio-based disease management strategies.
His research utilizes traditional and contemporary approaches to study pathogen biology, disease epidemiology, and plant-pathogen interactions.
Current projects are focused on the managing diseases caused by Alternaria spp., Corynespora cassiicola, Fusarium spp., Sclerotium rolfsii, Pseudomonas spp., and Xanthomonas spp. in vegetable and ornamental production as well as developing strategies to manage soil-borne pests and pathogens in raised-bed, plasticulture production systems.
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Research
Dr. Vallad conducts and publishes applied and fundamental research related to the etiology, epidemiology, and management vegetable and ornamental crop diseases in Florida. The goal of his research program, in collaboration with other UF/IFAS GCREC and state faculty, is to improve vegetable and ornamental crop production in a sustainable manner, which conserves Florida’s natural environment.
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Extension
Dr. Vallad provides leadership in Extension programs and communicates current research findings to state Extension faculty and industry clientele regarding diagnosing and managing vegetable and ornamental crop diseases.
His Extension programs help Extension specialists, commercial producers, agricultural industry representatives, and crop consultants—in cooperation with other UF/IFAS Extension and research faculty—increase their plant disease management expertise.
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Lab Team
Lab Phone Number 813-419-6600 Staff Member Email Marissa Cassaway, Bio Scientist II cassm22@ufl.edu Garrett Giles, Grad Student Drake Elting, OPS Tech Tim Kloppe, PostDoc Scott Hughes, Ag Assistant III bshughes@ufl.edu Jesenia Lopez-Rodriguez, OPS Field Tech jordanpeter@ufl.edu Renzo Ramirez, Grad Student rramirezantazu@ufl.edu Roshni Panwala, Grad Student Andrea Suazo, Grad Student Jingya Yang, Grad Student yang.j@ufl.edu
Contact
Rm. 126
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
14625 CR 672
Wimauma, FL 33598
813-419-6577
gvallad@ufl.edu
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Education
Education:
- Ph.D. Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2003
- M.S. Crop and Weed Science, North Dakota State University, 1998
- B.S. Biotechnology and Microbiology, North Dakota State University, 1996
- Publications
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Professional Service and Awards
- American Phytopathological Society-Southern Division, Secretary & Treasurer, 2012 – Present
- Plant Disease Management Reports, Associate Editor, 2013 – Present
- European Journal of Plant Pathology, Associate Editor, 2012 – Present
- Journal of Plant Pathology, Associate Editor, 2007 – Present
- Phytopathology, Associate Editor, 2008–2011
- 4th International Symposium on Tomato Diseases, Organizing Committee, 2013
- 21st International Pepper Conference, Organizing and Sponsorship Committee, 2012
- 25th Annual Tomato Disease Workshop, Organizer, 2010
- Genetics Society of America, Member, 2006 – Present
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Member, 2004 – Present
- American Phytopathological Society, Member, 2000 – Present