Keywords

  • applied genomics
  • bacterial pathogens
  • bacterial plant pathogens
  • cabbage
  • diagnostics
  • elementary outreach
  • elementary science education outreach
  • functional genomics
  • gene expression
  • global gene expression
  • induced resistance
  • microarray analysis
  • oomycete plant pathogens
  • pathogen detection
  • peppers
  • phytophthora blight
  • school gardens
  • tomato
  • vegetable diseases
  • vegetable extension
  • vegetable pathology

Smart, Christine Durbahn

Associate Professor
My program focuses on utilizing genomic technologies to identify and improve control strategies for vegetable diseases. We are currently studying two severe bacterial diseases (bacterial canker of tomato and black rot of cabbage), as well as the disease Phytophthora Blight, caused by a water mold. Utilizing genomic fingerprinting methods, we are able to study pathogen populations over time, to determine the most probably source of inoculum. Additionally, we have developed rapid detection and identification macroarray techniques for fungal and oomycete pathogens of vegetables. Finally, by studying plant gene expression in the field, we can gain a better understanding of how and when plant defense responses, such as systemic acquired resistance, are activated in an agro-ecosystem. Appropriate technology for the study of large numbers of field samples, such as real-time PCR and macroarray and microarray analysis, is now available and we are able to follow gene expression of plants in the field.

research

research and scholarship focus

My program focuses on utilizing genomic technologies to identify and improve control strategies for vegetable diseases. The goal is to assist the agricultural community in growing disease-free vegetable crops in a sustainable manner. We are currently studying two severe bacterial diseases (bacterial canker of tomato and black rot of cabbage), as well as the disease Phytophthora Blight, caused by a water mold. Utilizing genomic fingerprinting methods, we are able to study pathogen populations over time, to determine the most probable source of inoculum. Additionally, we have developed rapid detection and identification macroarray techniques for fungal and oomycete pathogens of vegetables. Finally, by studying plant gene expression in the field, we can gain a better understanding of how and when plant defense responses, such as systemic acquired resistance, are activated in an agro-ecosystem. Appropriate technology for the study of large numbers of field samples, such as real-time PCR and macroarray and microarray analysis, is now available and we are able to follow gene expression of plants in the field.

research areas

affiliations

faculty appointment in

member of graduate field

service

outreach focus

As one of the vegetable pathologists in the Field of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology with Extension responsibilities, my program has focused on bacterial and oomycete pathogens. New York is fortunate to have a climate in which a great diversity of vegetables can be grown, and a knowledgeable and engaged group of growers. Two significant bacterial diseases, bacterial canker of tomato and black rot of cabbage, have severely impacted the state in recent years. We are developing new technologies to both identify and control these pathogens. Additionally, we have recently initiated a large collaborative project to study Phytophthora blight (caused by the oomycete Phytophthora capsici. This disease has a wide host range, and has caused significant economic losses to growers in New York over the last five years. We are employing basic and applied research strategies to identify the most sustainable control strategies for these diseases.

current professional activities

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • American Phytopathological Society
  • American Society of Microbiology
  • International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions

background

educational background

  • Ph.D., Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, 1992
  • B.S., Biology, Lyman Briggs School, Michigan State University, 1986

professional background

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, 2003-present      
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 2001-2003     
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1996-2001     
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dept. of Plant Pathology, Univ. of California-Davis, 1992-1996     
  • Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, 1986-1992    

awards and distinctions

  • William Fields Award for Excellence in Teaching, Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, 1988

featured in

publications

speaker at Cornell event

Keywords: applied genomics, bacterial pathogens, bacterial plant pathogens, cabbage, diagnostics, elementary outreach, elementary science education outreach, functional genomics, gene expression, global gene expression, induced resistance, microarray analysis, oomycete plant pathogens, pathogen detection, peppers, phytophthora blight, school gardens, tomato, vegetable diseases, vegetable extension, vegetable pathology