David J. Norman, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist

Research emphasis is centered on the study of bacterial and fungal diseases which affect the production of ornamental foliage and bedding crops in Florida. Research projects are designed to examine:

• New disease controls including cultural, biological and chemical.
• Research is also conducted on pathogen detection, isolation, and classification using standard microbiological, biochemical and molecular techniques.
• Descriptions of new diseases affecting the ornamentals plant industry in Florida. Determining source and method of dissemination of pathogens in the industry.
• Research is conducted on disease resistance by screening cultivars and by genetic mapping of cultivars and species of ornamentals for resistance genes.
• Classification of bacteria and fungi on ornamentals using biochemical, host range, and molecular procedures.