07/08/09 - We visited OARDC in Wooster and learned about the scope of plant pathology programs ranging from soybean and corn to fruits and vegetables, biopesticides, plant parasitic nematodes, molecular virology and plant epidemiology.  We visited Secrest Arboretum (photo above) and Snyder Farms on the OARDC campus.  We also learned about phenology. RNA silencing, toxins in wheat, and a bacterium spread by insects that causes corn to turn reddish.  And we visited a farmer's market and met a lot of people.  Can't beat that.

Above, left: Dr. Larry Madden provided an overview of the department, OARDC as well as his epidemiology program.  Middle, Dr. Chris Taylor shares with us the fascinating biology of plant-nematode interactions; far right, Dr. Feng Qu with virus-infected plants.

Above left: Gerardo and Wanda examine and photograph plants.  Middle, Dr. Pierce Paul talks about toxins in wheat (and explains why you can be assured your bread is safe to eat).  Right, Dr. Brian McSpadden Gardener talks about his work with biopesticides and the role of microbes in disease suppression.  We also visited Dr. Anne Dorrance and learned about her soybean pathology program, Dr. Sally Miller and her vegetable pathology and international programs, and Dr. Peg Redinbaugh and her work with viruses and other pathogens of maize and soybean.  We didn't get a chance to meet Dr. Mike Ellis, fruit patholgoist, but we did meet his graduate student Dan Anco.

Above, far right: entomology graduate student Ashley Font told us about her work in phenology in the newly completed Discovery Pavilion in the Secrest Arboretum.  What is phenology?  Think biological calendars.  Dating back to the earliest of civilizations, humans have long tied seasonal changes with agriculture and food.  OARDC scientists are applying modern day technology to this ancient science for practical applications.  Visit the > OSU Phenology Garden Network

07/16/09 - Above, Mike Boehm chats with students during the Columbus orientation.

Our Columbus orientation included a visit with Oscar Burbano (above, left) and others in Tom Mitchell's lab; Dennis Lewandowski showed us plant health problems in the gardens (above right).  We also visited Dave Coplin, Guo-Liang Wang, Terry Graham, the Enrico Bonello's lab, Lanny Rhodes, and Nancy Taylor in the Plant Pest and Diagnostic Clinic.