Department Overview
Who are we?
We are internationally recognized scientists working side by side with M.S. and Ph.D. students to solve
threats to the world’s food supply.
What DO we study?
We study ALL major groups of pathogens that cause diseases in plants ---fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes using a variety of methods including genomics, proteomics, applied ecology, host-pathogen interactions.
Mycology
“Smut fungi are plant pathogens that produce millions of spores inside infected seed, as illustrated by this species of Tilletia infecting Holcus mollis” Idea: The spores could be positioned in something like a balloon from one of the infected seeds. Dr. Carris could show you if you need further explanation.
Fungi cause over 70% of all plant diseases. Not surprisingly, mycology is one of our strengths, and three-quarters of the faculty have research projects involving fungi. Mycologists at WSU address fundamental questions on fungal diversity, evolution, biology, and ecology. By gaining a better understanding of fungal pathogens, we can develop more effective and ecologically sound methods for controlling plant disease.
Bacteriology
Did you know that bacteria cause devastating plant diseases? Phytobacteriologists
use traditional approaches, molecular genetics and genomics to investigate
bacterial diseases of crops in Washington State. Bacteria can also be useful in
the control of plant diseases, and we are looking at ways to use and improve
these beneficial bacteria to control root pathogens of small grains and canola.
Virology
Virologists, the ultimate “Microbe Hunters”, characterize and describe new viral pathogens infecting ornamentals, legumes, small grains, grapes and vegetable crops in Washington. We develop strategies for controlling viral plant pathogens, and are involved in identifying and preventing the introduction of exotic viruses infecting plant germplasm that may significantly impact bean, pea, chickpea and lentil production in Washington and the U.S.
Nematology?
Nematodes can cause problems on a wide range of host plants and are difficult
to control. Nematologists at WSU are finding alternative methods to control
plant parasitic nematodes using organic amendments, cover crops, green manures
and organic nematicides, and evaluate the effectiveness of using low rates
of synthetic nematicides in combination with organic amendments.
Diverse Agriculture Dynamic Research
The top agricultural crops grown in Washington are apples, potatoes, wheat, cherries, pears, grapes, onions and hops. Washington State leads the U.S. in the production of red raspberries, hops, spearmint and peppermint oil, apples, sweet cherries, pears, and is second in asparagus, potatoes, onions and grapes.
State and federal scientists housed in the Department of Plant Pathology work closely with breeders to
develop new varieties of wheat and other small grains that are resistant to a wide range of fungal
pathogens. These scientists are also looking at novel ways to control these devastating pathogens.
Legume
The Pacific Northwest is one of the leading producers of food legumes (chickpeas, lentils, dried peas), an important source of protein for many people around the world. Plant pathologists at WSU work on Ascochyta blight, Sclerotinia, and other diseases that can cause devastating losses to these important crops.
Potato
Late blight ravaged the potato crops of Ireland in the mid-1840s, and millions of Irish peasants were faced with the prospect of starvation or emigration to North America. Plant pathologists located in Pullman and Mt. Vernon look for better ways to predict outbreaks of this pathogen and improved methods for controlling it.
Vineyard
Washington has emerged as one of the top wine regions in the world, with an ideal climate
for the production of high quality wine grapes. The 475+ wineries in the state contribute
$2.9 billion to the state economy. Plant pathologists located at the WSU Irrigated Agriculture
Research and Extension in Prosser work with growers to minimize the impact of fungal and viral
pathogens on wine and Concord grape production and quality.
Tree fruit
Postharvest rots of apples and pears cost growers millions of dollars in lost revenue annually.
Plant pathologists in the department have identified new species of fungi responsible
for postharvest rots in the state and are working on improved methods for controlling these
pathogens.
Vegetable
Sixty different vegetables can be grown in Washington, and 22 of these are grown commercially
in the state . Fresh vegetables and vegetable seed from Washington are exported around
the world. Research by plant pathologists at WSU-Mount Vernon’s Northwestern Washington
Research & Extension Center have increased our understanding of the plant pathogens that
infect vegetables, and lead to more effective disease management.
Ornamental/bulbs
Ornamental crops are an important aspect of Washington’s agriculture. Nursery and greenhouse production of cut flowers, bulbs, potted plants, conifers and broad-leaved evergreens is valued at over $250 million annually. Plant pathologists at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center develop disease management strategies and provide information on plant pathogens to homeowners and commercial producers of ornamental crops.
Where are we located?
We are strategically located throughout Washington State to tackle the many problems encountered by our multi-faceted agricultural industries. Our Agricultural Research Stations are located in Mount Vernon (the northwest area of
Washington State,
north of Seattle), Wenatchee (central Washington,
a major fruit growing region
in the state), Puyallup (northwest Washington,
south of Seattle/Tacoma), and Prosser (southeast Washington,
close to the Tri-Cities area).
Our main campus is located in Pullman, in eastern Washington, in an area of the Pacific Northwest
known as the Palouse.
The Palouse region has rolling hills and fields bordering forested areas to the east and desert scablands to its west. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound: water sports, snow sports, rock climbing, camping, fishing and hiking are activities many of our students enjoy. Indoor recreation is offered at the new Student Recreation Center which was built in 2004 and contains something for everyone! For more information, visit their website.
Moscow, Idaho is home to the University of Idaho and is a short 7 miles to the east of Pullman. The Rocky Mountain Research Station (USDA) is located in Moscow and some of our adjunct faculty and their graduate students perform research in that facility. The proximity allows students to draw on the wide-ranging expertise of faculty at both universities.
Johnson
Hall 329 (office) &
328 (lab)
Tel.: (509)335-3733
Fax: (509)335-9581
E-mail: carris@mail.wsu.edu
Teaching:
General Mycology PlP 421/521-offered every fall semester (PLP521 Online)
Advanced Fungal Biology PlP 526 -offered alternate spring semesters
Molds, Mildews and Mushrooms: The Fifth Kingdom PlP150 -offered every spring semester
Other Teaching Activities:
"Hunting Fall Mushrooms," Community Enrichment Program, University of Idaho
Mushroom forays for Palouse Mycological Association.
Professional Activities:
Liaison, WSU Association for Faculty Women (2005-present)
Heading using the h3tag
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