Bruce B. Clarke

Department of Plant Biology and Pathology Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 59 Dudley Road New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520 732-932-9375, Ext. 331 Fax: 732-932-9377 clarke@aesop.rutgers.edu

Research Interests:

The principal focus of my research deals with the identification and control of abiotic and biotic diseases associated with cool-season turfgrasses. Recent studies have been conducted to determine the distribution and control of anthracnose, gray leaf spot, and root and crown-infecting fungi associated with patch diseases in the United States. This has involved the use of field studies to assess pathogen dynamics, as well as controlled environment and greenhouse studies to ascertain the relationship between environmental stress, cultural management, and disease development. To date, research findings have been utilized by turf managers to reduce pesticide usage through improved management strategies. Research also has been initiated to develop disease forecasting and detection systems and to identify genetic resistance to diseases in new and existing turfgrass cultivars.