Linda Hanson

Linda Hanson

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USDA-ARS Plant Pathologist/ Adjunct Prof. - Soil-borne pathogens, fungi, sugar beet & rotation crops, diversity/ interaction w/ cropping systems
Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Phone:
517-353-0208

Email:

Degrees:
B.S., University of Washington, Botany
M.S., Michigan State University, Plant Pathology
Ph.D., Cornell University, Plant Pathology, minors mycology and genetics

Dr. Hanson’s research focusses on diseases of sugar beet, related crops, and crops grown in rotation with sugar beet, especially those caused by fungi.  A major aim is to improve disease management through an integrated pest management approach, including use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and other cultural management practices.  Her team works to characterize the fungi that cause seedling and adult-plant soil-borne diseases, such as root rots and wilts.  We collaborate with USDA-ARS breeders and with commercial seed companies to investigate host-pathogen interaction, how host responses vary with plant maturity, and the impact of combinations of pathogens (disease complexes).  The program also assists with diagnosis of diseases.  This has led to reporting new issues in Michigan and other growing regions.