Deanna L Funnell-Harris

Research Plant Pathologist

Research Objectives

1. Determine and manipulate the genetic, biochemical and physiological mechanisms controlling the biological pathways involved in non-grain energy sorghum germplasm.
2. Determine the impact of fungal pathogens on non-grain energy sorghum germplasm, and determine mechanisms of resistance to sorghum pathogens.
3. Develop and evaluate germplasm to improve sorghum for non-grain energy uses.

 

 

Stalk rot can cause lodging of sorghum under stressful environmental conditions.

 

Symptoms of fungal-infected plants grown under adequate (left) or limited (right) water.

 

Stalk disease in sweet sorghum plants 0, 3 or 13 days after infection.