LSU Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology

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LSU Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology

LSU PPCP

10/02/2026

About Our Students: Bruna Momesso. Welcome Bruna!

09/29/2026

At the invitation of Dr. Jong Hyun Ham, Dr. Hong-Gu Kang visited PPCP to present a seminar titled, “Defining tRNA Fragments as a Novel Class of Mobile sRNAs: From Plant Defense to Engineered, Conserved Gene Activation.”
Dr. Kang, a Professor of Biology at Texas State University, specializes in plant molecular cell biology and stress genomics. During his visit, he engaged with faculty and graduate students through discussions and a roundtable lunch, encouraging the exchange of ideas and further exploration of topics related to plant pathology.
We are grateful for Dr. Kang’s visit and the chance to learn more about his research and contributions to the field.

09/28/2026

Dr. Andre Gama recently published, "First report of Bipolaris setariae causing sugarcane brown stripe in the United States", found here: https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-06-26-1228-PDN

09/26/2026

Can crop productivity be enhanced by beneficial bacteria? Dr. Jong Hyun Ham’s lab recently published their study, led by first author Jonas Padilla, titled “Optimizing Cryoprotective Formulations to Enhance Freeze-Drying Survival of Soybean-Associated Beneficial Bacteria,” in Bacteria magazine. The article explores methods to improve the survival of beneficial soybean-associated bacteria during freeze-drying, helping advance their potential use in sustainable agriculture. Read the publication https://www.mdpi.com/2674-1334/5/3/45.
Adding to this achievement, the paper was selected by the journal’s editors as the cover article for Volume 5, Issue 3 and was featured in a special introduction highlighting the research. View the issue and cover feature https://www.mdpi.com/2674-1334/5.

09/25/2026

Masters student Ashmita Acharya, working in Dr. Jong Hyun Ham's lab, presented her research at the recent American Phytopathological Society's Plant Health 2026 in Providence, RI. Her oral presentation was entitled, “Identification of quantitative
trait loci associated with defense-primed resistance to Bacterial Panicle Blight in rice.”

09/24/2026

Congratulations to Zoe Woody, advised by Dr. Raj Singh, on earning her M.S. degree in Plant Pathology! Zoe successfully defended her thesis, “Molecular Identification and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum spp. isolated from perennial ornamental host plants in Lousiana." She began her master's studies in the department in 2023. Congratulations, Zoe, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors!

09/23/2026

Congratulations to Isabela D’Arce Martins for representing LSU on the winning team, “Spore-thern,” at the APS Plant Health 2026 Plant Diagnostic Bowl! In this fast-paced competition, graduate student teams of five analyzed mystery plant samples, consulted extension agents, prepared diagnostic reports, and defended their findings before expert diagnosticians—all while diagnosing plant diseases and developing management strategies. Congratulations, Isabela, on this outstanding achievement!

09/22/2026

Ph.D. student Jonas Padilla, working in Dr. Jong Hyun Ham's lab, presented his research at the recent American Phytopathological Society's Plant Health 2026 in Providence, RI. His oral presentation was entitled, "qsmR-Dependent Control of Cell Envelope Integrity and Morphology in Burkholderia glumae."

09/21/2026

Ph.D. student Sandeep Gouli, working in Dr. Jong Hyun Ham’s lab, presented not one, not two, but three research posters at the American Phytopathological Society’s Plant Health 2026 in Providence, RI! Sandeep presented research spanning soybean, rice, plant microbiomes, and disease management: “Seed Treatment with Multi-Strain Bacterial Consortia Improves Soybean Performance and Reshapes the Root Endosphere Microbiome under Drought Conditions”, “Seed Treatment with the Non-Virulent Burkholderia glumae Strain A257 Reshapes the Rice Rhizosphere Microbiome and Reduces Sheath Blight Severity”, and “Microbiome Shift Associated with Rice Panicle Health Reveals Distinct Bacterial and Fungal Signatures”. Congratulations, Sandeep, on sharing your research with the plant pathology community!

09/20/2026

Ph.D. student Dablieny Souza, working in Dr. Jonathan Richard's lab, presented her research at the recent American Phytopathological Society's Plant Health 2026 in Providence, RI. Her oral presentation was entitled, "Defend early or fail: timing drives ontogenic resistance to frogeye leaf spot in soybean."

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302 Life Science Building, LSU
Baton Rouge, LA
70803

Website

http://www.lsu.edu/ppcp

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