The Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology's weekly Plant Pathology 250 seminar series is presented this week by:

Biagio DiSalvo, PLPA Graduate Student 

Seminar Title: “Grapevine Endophyte, Pseudomonas viridiflava, Enhances Biofilm Formation and Reduces Virulence of Xyllela fastidiosa"

Biography: Biagio is a 2nd year PhD candidate in Dr. Caroline Roper's lab. His research is focused on understanding Xylella fastidiosa's iron acquisition strategies and how they may influence virulence factors such as biofilm formation

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Francisco Franco-Navarro, PLPA Graduate Student 

Seminar Title: “Root-knot Nematodes and Bell Pepper Pathosystem: Damage Threshold and some Strategies for its Management"

Biography: : Francisco obtained his BS degree in Biology from National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México -UNAM-), and his MS degree in Plant Pathology from Graduate College in Agricultural Sciences (Colegio de Posgraduados en Ciencias Agrícolas), studying topics about plant-parasitic nematodes like biology, parasitism and management.  He is a member of the Antoon Ploeg’s Lab (Nematology Extension and Research Lab). His research line in the lab is about plant-parasitic nematodes, mainly the control and management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne) by means of the use of new nematicides and biological alternatives.