Inoculating oak trees with plant pathogenic fungi in controlled greenhouse studies to assay host plant response and isolate virulence [Oak Wilt Research Collaborative Project]
Program and Effort Overview
Since 1999, lab and field research projects with the Klingeman Lab and collaborating PIs have been focused on integrated pest management (IPM) in managed landscapes, urban forest/landscape habitats, and nursery production systems. We have published findings of studies conducted across horticulture, entomology, and plant pathology disciplines that relate to issues influencing pest management, host plant, and ecosystem health.
Lab studies-in-progress include development of field trapping approaches for collecting flatheaded borer beetles, molecular taxonomy of species in the genus Chrysobothris (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and within the C. femorata species-group, monitoring and collection of sap beetles that may be associated with Oak Wilt in Tennessee, and characterization of the effects of Bretziella fagacearum (oak wilt pathogen) on functioning and health of red and white oak trees.
Other collaborative efforts include examining population genetics of fungal plant pathogens, introduced pest insect species, and native and introduced tree species. We have explored population biology in insects associated with plant diseases, conservation of native plants and their pollinators, and the influence of prescribed fire and other pest management activities on plant phytobiomes. Our team recently developed molecular detection capabilities for rapidly diagnosing presence of Geosmithia morbida fungal pathogen DNA and walnut twig beetle DNA from infested walnut tree tissues. Ongoing efforts will yield detection protocols for the plant pathogens that cause Oak Wilt, Bretziella fagacearum (in red and white oak species) and Laurel Wilt, Harringtonia (syn. Raffaelea) lauricola (in avocado, laurel, and sassafras).
In addition to his research program, Dr. Klingeman serves as Graduate Director and and Assistant Department Head for the Department of Plant Sciences. He alternates teaching Nursery Production and Management (PLSC 410) and Turfgrass Entomology (PLSC 443/543) during Spring semester in differing years.
Find out more about the people in the lab, our current projects, research papers, Extension pubs, and other work.
