Weidong Chen (1)

My research interests include both applied and basic aspects of biology, ecology, epidemiology, population biology, resistance and management of diseases of cool season grain legumes (peas, chickpeas and lentils). My research involves host-pathogen interactions at organismal, cellular and molecular levels. Current research focuses on Ascochyta blight of chickpea and Sclerotinia white mold of lentils and peas. Ascochyta blight is a persistent important disease of chickpeas in all chickpea production areas. Sclerotinia white mold is an emerging disease of peas and lentils due to increased agronomic practice of direct seeding and increased production of winter lentils and peas. My research plan is to use modern techniques to characterize the processes of host-pathogen interaction, to identify and characterize resistant germ plasm, and, in cooperation with plant geneticists to incorporate the resistant genes into commercial cultivars or elite germ plasm lines. My ultimate research goal is to formulate and develop effective strategies for minimizing the threat of diseases and maximizing yield of cool season grain legumes.