About
My name is Jessica Velte and I am a Ph.D. student advised by Dr. Samuel Martins. My research focuses on phytobacteriology, the effects of the microbiome on plant health, and disease management using biocontrol methods. Specifically, I am studying the etiology and biocontrol of bacterial blotch on white button mushrooms, which is a prevalent and destructive disease affecting the mushroom industry leading to high yield loss.
I earned my B.Sc. degree in Plant Science at the University of Florida. I previously worked at the UF Plant Diagnostic Center, where I worked on a range of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases on both edible and ornamental plants.