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Plant Pathology Faculty - N. C. State University

H. David Shew
Professor of Plant Pathology
Appointment: 73 % Research, 27 % Teaching and Academic Affairs
B.S. in Biology, Greensboro College
M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, N. C. State University
Research Interests: Research conducted in my program focuses on the ecology and epidemiology of soilborne fungal pathogens. Our goal is to enhance short- and long-term disease management strategies based on improved understanding of the biology and ecology of soilborne pathogens. Specific investigations have emphasized: i) the effects of soil physical and chemical properties on fungal population dynamics and abiotic suppression of disease; ii) characterization of host resistance mechanisms to root pathogens and quantification of their effects on pathogen population dynamics and disease development; and iii) characterization of pathogen populations, including comparisons of populations from natural- and agro-ecosystems. Research projects are on-going in multiple host-pathogen systems; outlines of current research projects can be viewed from the links below.

Current research projects:

 

Basidiospores of Thanatephorus

 Pythium oospore

 
Endoconidia and aleuriospores of Thielaviopsis basicola Ascospore colonies of Sclerotinia on selective medium  

Phytophthora nicotianae and other Phytophthora spp.

 Thielaviopsis basicola

Rhizoctonia solani (AG-3)

 Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Pythium spp.

Suppressive soils



Recent and Selected Publications:

Teaching

I currently teach the undergraduate class, Principles of Plant Pathology, PP 315 . The course is offered each fall semester on campus and each fall and spring as a Distance Education class. It provides students with an overview of plant pathogens, disease development, and disease management, while providing an opportunity for hands-on experience in working with organisms that cause plant diseases. Typical students in the class range from sophomores to graduate students with a very diverse set of backgrounds and interests. If you have questions about the class, please feel free to contact me at david_shew@ncsu.edu or go to the course website to review course content.

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Last modified July 2006