Dr. Vallad's Laboratory 

Overview 

The Vegetable pathology lab research and extension program focuses on the diagnosis and management of bacterial and fungal diseases common to vegetable and ornamental production with an emphasis on the development and implementation of bio-based disease management strategies.

The lab’s research utilizes traditional and contemporary approaches to study:

• Pathogen biology
• Disease epidemiology
• Plant-pathogen interactions
• Soil microbiome interactions

What we do

Our lab focuses on bacterial and fungal pathogens affecting a variety of Florida crops including tomatoes, squash, watermelon, and cabbage.

Pathogens we focus on include:

• Target spot
• Bacterial spot
• Anthracnose
• Fusarium Wilt
• Southern Blight
• Alternaria
• Gummy Stem Blight
• Downy Mildew
• Powdery Mildew

Impact

Florida's fresh market tomato production is ranked first in the country.

Florida's climate is favorable for the development of many bacterial and fungal pathogens which impacts plants and marketable yield.  

Our current research allows us to test the efficacy of fungicides and bactericides programs, which benefit growers with disease management.

Lab Accomplishments

• MS Students' Work

  Links coming soon! 

• PhD Students' Work

  Links coming soon!

• Dr. Vallad's Work
  • Extension Publications 
  • Research Publications