Keywords

  • bacterial diseases of plants
  • bacteriology
  • biological control
  • genomics
  • plant-microbe interaction
  • plant-microbe interactions
  • plant pathology

Burr, Thomas J

Dean Assoc, CALS
Joined the faculty at Cornell in 1977 as a Plant Pathologist. A majority of my time is spent in administration of NYSAES and serving as Associate Dean of CALS. I continue to run a research program that is emphasizes bacterial-plant interactions. An applied research component has resulted in the development of strategies that are implemented by grape growers to control crown gall disease.

research

research and scholarship focus

Research focuses on how bacterial pathogens interact with host and non-host plants. Emphasis is being placed on Agrobacterium vitis and Xylella fastidiosa. For Agrobacterium we are studying regulatory systems and target genes that are associated with plant interactions. This includes a quorum-sensing and a second regulatory system. The understanding of such interactions will facilitate the development of novel disease controls. For Xyella, the focus is on genes involved in pathogen movement, colonization and infection of grapevines

primary investigator of

research areas

affiliations

head of

faculty appointment in

administrative appointment

member of graduate field

service

outreach focus

Extension focus is on assisting grape growers in management of crown gall disease. This is being accomplished through the development of crown gall-free propagation material and through the use of biological control.
Keywords: bacterial diseases of plants, bacteriology, biological control, genomics, plant-microbe interaction, plant-microbe interactions, plant pathology