Jim Bradeen

Jim Bradeen studies plant diseases and the impacts they have on agricultural crops and native environments.  Many of the world's most significant diseases are caused by invasive microbes including fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and oomycetes (water molds). 

Plant disease management is also complicated by invasive plant species that can harbor disease-causing microbes.  For example, barberry and buckthorn, invasive species found throughout the midwest, can harbor fungal pathogens that cause rust on wheat and oat, respectively.