Dr. Lawrence E. Datnoff
Professor of Plant Pathology
1453 Fifield Hall
Gainesville, FL, 32611
Telephone: 1 352 392-3631 X383
Fax: (352) 392-6532.
E-mail
Web site: Background
and CV
Position
90% Research, 10% Teaching
Responsibilities
My research focuses on the biology, etiology, epidemiology and control of both foliar and soilborne diseases of ornamentals, rice, turfgrass and vegetables. Over the past several years, I have been studying the role of silicon for plant disease control. My interests have included understanding the role of silicon in plant disease suppression, its interactions with fungicides, residual effects on disease development, enhancement of host plant resistance and the mechanism (s) of silicon-mediated resistance. The plant pathogens I am studying (or have studied) in this system include Pyricularia grisea (rice and turf), Rhizoctonia solani (rice and turf), Bipolaris oryzae (rice) Bipolaris cynodontis (turf) and Podosphaera pannosa (miniature rose). Other current areas of research include the morphology and molecular characterization of Corynespora cassiicola on tomato and Collectotrichum acutatum on pepper.
Current turf activities include
Screening St. Augustinegrass for resistance to gray leaf spot and brown patch (in cooperation with Drs. Nagata, Harmon and Stiles); molecular characterization of Rhizoctonia solani and R. zeae from warmseason turf (in cooperation with Drs. Raid, Harmon and Nagata); and evaluating the effects of silicon on ultradwarf bermudagrass growth, development and disease resistance (in cooperation with Dr. Miller).
Staff
Biological Scientist: Brenda Rutherford
Students
Adriana Espinosa, Norma Flor