The research programs focus on diseases caused by fastidious microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, and whitefly- and aphid-transmitted viruses. We are known for our research on diseases of diverse crops including citrus; vegetables such as tomato, pepper and cucurbits; ornamentals including foliage plants and flowering and woody ornamentals; field crops including soybean, peanut and sugarcane; and tropical fruits. Our strengths also include expertise in epidemiology, molecular biology of host-parasite interactions, biological control, and post-harvest diseases.

Our faculty members also serve in the interdisciplinary Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology program that involves several departments of the Health Science Center and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Plant Pathology Department also has a research position in Astrobiology at NASA to study microorganisms under extreme environments such as the Martian environment. Our faculty has also been very active in international programs as evidenced by the many collaborative efforts in Florida and outside the U.S. Together these features provide a conducive environment for working, learning and building a scientific professional career.

The University of Florida’s Undergraduate (https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/) and Graduate (https://gradcatalog.ufl.edu/graduate/) programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SAC SCOC). The links provided contain the most updated accreditation information for the University.