Chris Cook is joining the Kalcsits Lab and the Somera lab (USDA-ARS) as a Post Doc.
Chris obtained his PhD (2018-2022) in biological and cultural management strategies for Apple Replant Disease from Cranfield University and NIAB East Malling, United Kingdom.
His research focused on the use of biological soil amendments as an alternative to chemical fumigation as a management strategy for Apple Replant Disease in dessert and cider orchards in the UK. Alongside the amendment of soils with biocontrol agents, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), cultural changes in orchard management (such as replanting in orchard alleyways) were also utilized as a management strategy. As an industry-led project, the work was relevant for each stage of apple production from field to supermarket.
Chris’ work in the Kalcsits and Somera lab will focus on barriers to and benefits of AMF colonization in apples to both improve productivity and reduce disease pressure.
