Our Research

We utilize statistical and mathematical models, and conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments to measure, understand, compare, and predict plant disease epidemics.

Our modeling work is not confined to specific diseases and encompasses a wide spectrum of topics within plant disease epidemiology. This includes the assessment of disease intensity and crop loss, modeling the temporal progress and spatial spread across different scales, evaluating and predicting disease risk, as well as conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Our experimental research primarily revolves around the genotyping and phenotyping of fungal pathogen populations. This encompasses evaluating various traits such as reproduction, pathogenicity, aggressiveness, toxigenic potential, and fungicide resistance. Currently, we are studying two of the most significant plant pathogens globally: mycotoxigenic Fusarium, which causes head blights or ear rots in winter and summer crops, and Pyricularia blast affecting rice, wheat, and grasses.

Staff (technician)

Bianca Moreira Barbosa (PhD in Chemistry)

Current students

Ricardo Gomes Tomáz (D)
Monalisa C. De Cól (D)
Ana Carolyne C. de Carvalho (M)
Mary Paz Romero Benavides (M)

Former students

UFV

Lila Soares Lima (M)
Kaique dos Santos Alves (M, D)
Jhonatan Paulo Barro (M, D)
Gustavo B. dos Santos (M)
Ignácio Cazón (D)
João Paulo Ascari (D)
Sheila M. P. Andrade (M)
Maíra R. Duffeck (M, D)
Franklin J. Machado (M, D)
Caroline F. Ávila (M)

UFRGS

Paulo R. Kuhnem (D)
Larissa B. Gomes (M)
Camila P. Nicolli (M)
Leilane S. D’Ávila (M)
Felipe Dalla Lana (M)
André A. Schwanck (M)
Raquel Stumpf (M)
Paula Astolfi (M)
Piérri Spolti (M, D)

UFV Professional Masters

Evando Puhl de Melo
Tiago de Sá Cardoso
Marlon Michel A. Moreira Neto
Ana Paula Vicenzi
Leonardo H. M. do Carmo
Leonardo M. Antonello
Karine da Costa M. Gonçalves

Former postdocs

Camila P. Nicolli (M)
Gláucia Moreira (UFV)
Lucas Abreu (UFV)
Juliano dos Santos (UFRGS, 2009-10)