Richard Frederick Davis

Research Plant Pathologist

EDUCATION

Ph.D.	- Plant Pathology, University of  Illinois,    Urbana, IL
M.S.	- Plant Pathology, Auburn University,    Auburn, AL
B.S.	- Integrated Pest Management,    Auburn University, Auburn, AL

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My primary interests are the management of plant-parasitic nematodes in agronomic and vegetable crops, with special emphasis on cotton.  Research projects include developing and utilizing nematode resistant crop plants, studying the environmental and ecological factors which affect the damage caused by nematodes, and evaluating the effects of crop rotations and cultural practices on nematode management.  A primary goal of my research in to develop cost-effective management systems for the southern root-knot nematode in cotton, but a  broader goal is to understand how nematodes interact with biotic and abiotic factors to reduce crop yield and quality.