​​Genetics of Late Blight—Real World Implications​

April 2015 | 39 min., 55 sec.
by Bill Fry
Cornell University

Summary

​This presentation explains many of the genetic characteristics (general and unique) of Phytophthora infestans. It begins with a chronological description of the gradually and increasingly accurate understanding of the genetics of this oomycete. It emphasizes the population genetics worldwide but with special emphasis on the United States. A major theme of the presentation is that migration has played a huge role in the diversity of populations in the United States and worldwide. An accurate understanding of the simple population genetic structure of this organism in the United States can be used to improve efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of this pathogen.

About the Presenter

Bill FryBill Fry is professor of plant pathology and has been a member of the Cornell faculty since 1971. His research has centered on Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine, investigating its population genetics, molecular genetics, ecology, epidemiology, and control. In that regard, his lab documented global migrations and global population displacements of this pathogen during the 1980s and 1990s. Locally, Dr. Fry’s discoveries have been used to aid efforts in agriculture to suppress the disease caused by this pathogen. The most recent emphasis has been to build a program that integrates all the disease control tools into a single package, with the goal of achieving the most effective disease suppression possible while minimizing costly inputs.​

Contact Information:
Email: wef1@cornell.edu

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