MISSION

Our research focuses on phytopathology and epidemiology to provide data-driven insights and fundamental knowledge on exotic bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. We develop innovative risk-based surveillance, sampling and mitigation strategies to maximize pest and disease control. Our multidisciplinary team has made substantial contributions to the field of epidemiology via studies relating to etiology and host-parasite interactions, infectious disease modeling, and statistical analyses.
Focusing on integrated pest management tools and disease survey methodologies, we strive to address pressing issues in understanding how to prevent pathogens and pests from destroying commercially and economically significant agricultural and ecological resources. We provide a suite of quantitative decision-making tools for growers, policy makers, regulatory agencies, and researchers to predict introduction points, visualize spatiotemporal spread, and investigate intervention strategies.
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The research and development team is led by Drs. Scott Adkins and Tim Gottwald (Retired). We are based in the Subtropical Plant Pathology (STPP) Unit at the USDA-ARS U.S. Horticultural Laboratory in Fort Pierce, Florida.