Dr. Cowger team-teaches PP590/PP790, “Plant Disease Resistance: Mechanisms and Applications” (alternate springs) with Drs. Marshall, Opperman, and Balint-Kurti http://www.pngg.org/pp590_790

Dr. Cowger investigates the biology, epidemiology, and population genetics of economically important small grain pathogens. Her goal is to contribute to improved, sustainable management practices. Her program interacts closely with breeders, extension personnel, and other pathology and population genetics groups in the eastern U.S. and beyond. Dr. Cowger has expertise in pathogen adaptation to host resistance; host genotype diversity and its effects on pathogen populations; and epidemiological and disease management implications of pathogen population structure. Her group conducts research in the laboratory, greenhouse, and at multiple field locations. The lab uses molecular techniques to investigate species identity, phylogeny, population structure, and pathogen life cycles. Epidemiological modeling and classical field-plot research are also carried out.