Our lab is interested in studying the biology, ecology and epidemiology of native and non-native tree pests and pathogens that are causing economic and ecological damage to our forests.
We work with a variety of damaging agents affecting broadleaf and conifer tree species in forests and urban settings. Our diagnostics lab uses classical and cutting-edge molecular techniques to detect and identify damaging agents of trees. Our research broadly focuses on:
- Understanding the diversity, frequency and consequences of forest pathogens
- Interactions of trees with fungi and fungal-like (oomycete) organisms, including host symbioses and tree defense mechanisms.
- Abiotic disturbances influencing pathogen prevalence and effects on tree responses
- Development of tools for improved detection and monitoring, and strategies for improved integrated pest management in forests
- Host-chemical analyses influencing infection and resistance biology of trees
- Practical disease control applications to reduce long-term damage
Our research has a strong stakeholder focus for managing forest diseases in order to ensure multiple ecosystem benefits from forests and protect biodiversity associated with threatened tree species.
