The Department of Plant Pathology's research and teaching activities span Pennsylvania and far beyond the state's borders. The Department's international scope is reflected by the diversity of nationalities and cultures within the Department as well as the diverse array of research projects conducted in collaboration with individuals and institutions in countries throughout the world. In addition, members of the Department also participate in an array of international conferences, meetings, symposia, and workshops each year.

Dr. Paul Backman with graduate advisees
Left to right: Ermita Hernandez Heredia, Steven Conaway, Dr. Paul Backman, Anissa
Poleatewich, and Rachel Melnick

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Collaborative Research Support Program (CRSP) January 17-25, 2009 Trip to Ecuador

On January 17, 2009, Paul A. Backman, Professor Penn State University, together with Rachel L. Melnick, PhD Candidate Penn State University; Bryan A. Bailey, Scientist USDA-ARS Sustainable Perennial Crop Lab; Jayne Crozier, CABI Biosciences, Mark Guiltinan, Professor Penn State University, and Siela Maximova, Research associate Penn State University traveled to Ecuador to monitor pre-existing field trials on the biological control of witche's broom of cacao at INIAP and Nestle and to establish a trial on the biological control of frosty pod of cacao. Sites visited during the trip included
INIAP Estacion Experimental Tropical, Pichilingue, Los Rios; Rio Lindo Farm, near Quevedo; Los Rios; and the Nestle Research Farm, Valencia, Los Rios.

Left: Hand pollinated nacional cacao pods at the INIAP station. Flowers were bagged after pollination to
protect the young developing pods from pests.
Right: Open pollinated CCN51 pods at the commercial Rio Lindofarm near INIAP station.

Left: Dr. Backman and Dr. Bailey touring the intercropping with Ing. Danilo Vera.
Right: Pods on a cacao tree in the intercropping trial.

Left: Dr. Bailey, Ing. Vero, Dr. Backman, and Dr. Crozier labeling CCN51 pods for application of bacteria.
Right: Example of extensive cherelle wilt on a branch. This tree was not used for experimentation.

Rachel Melnick in the midst of her 20-month study site
on the biological control of witches' broom at INIAP.