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Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

Dr. Marcus Marin

Research Assistant Scientist

Dr. Marcus Marin is a Faculty member of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, University of Florida who serves as coordinator of the Plant Diagnostic Clinic and Assistant Scientist of the Strawberry Pathology Program led by Dr. Natalia Peres.

Marcus currently concentrates on the development and implementation of novel techniques for plant disease diagnosis, the study of epidemiology and biology targeting existing and emerging pathogens, and translating the new findings into updated management recommendations for ornamentals and small fruit production with a focus on strawberry.

  • Research

    My current projects span around the development and implementation of novel techniques for plant disease diagnosis, the study of epidemiology and biology targeting the existing and emerging pathogens causing plant diseases and translating the new findings into updated management recommendations to continuously support and promote Florida’s agriculture.

    Dr. Marin’s research activities focus on:

    - Plant pathogen biology and epidemiology studies

    - Exploring the effectiveness of management tools

    - Development of plant pathogen detection and diagnostic tools

    - Studying population genetics and what is underlying emergence and re-emergence of plant pathogens

  • Extension

    Leading the diagnostic clinic at the center has given me the opportunity to directly engage with growers and industry stakeholders, ensuring that the tools and techniques we develop are both practical and effective in real-world settings. Collaborating closely with students, postdoctoral researchers, and other experts, I have spearheaded projects that validate the efficacy of newly

    developed molecular diagnostics, with a focus on their implementation in diagnostic laboratories. These efforts have led to the creation of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, particularly for the detection of the four major pathogens responsible for strawberry crown rots in Florida: Phytophthora sp., Macrophomina phaseolina, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Colletotrichum acutatum. Additionally, our team has successfully developed molecular techniques to detect a highly aggressive strain of Neopestalotiopsis sp., an emerging pathogen that poses a significant threat to strawberry with the potential to cause total crop loss in affected areas.

    My ongoing extension is focused on advancing the frontiers of diagnostic technology, consistently enhancing our capacity to detect and address plant diseases promptly. This work plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural industry by providing up-to-date disease control recommendations, which are developed in collaboration with fellow researchers at our center and disseminated through our clinic's reporting system.

Contact

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center 
14625 CR 672
Wimauma, FL 33598
813-419-6617 
marin.m@ufl.edu 

 

  • Education

    Education:

    • B.Sc. Agronomy Engineer, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, 2017
    • Ph.D. Plant Pathology, University of Florida, 2022
  • Publications
  • Professional Service and Awards

    Awards:

    2023 - UF/IFAS Award of Excellence for Overall Best Dissertation

    2023 - UF/IFAS Award of Excellence for Graduate Research Best Dissertation in Agricultural Systems