B.S., SUNY, College at Geneseo, 2001
M.S., North Carolina State University, 2004
Ph.D., North Carolina State University, 2007 damon.smith@okstate.edu
Extension Program (75%):
My extension efforts focus on generating, evaluating, and disseminating solutions to many of the disease problems associated with turfgrass and horticultural crops. Information and potential solutions for disease problems are evaluated using applied research. Field research includes station and on-farm research to test epidemiological models, conduct pesticide evaluations, and improve the practical and biological understanding of various plant pathogens. I work closely with county extension agents and educators, agribusinesses, and commodity groups to improve the management of the major diseases affecting turfgrass and horticultural crops. I am responsible for developing disease management fact sheets and outreach courses. I also conduct Master Gardener Workshops focused on Plant Pathology at the request of county educators.
Research (25%):
My research interests focus on the biology, epidemiology, and management of diseases of turfgrass, grape, pecan and other horticultural crops. The information generated from my research directly services my extension program. This information is used to develop disease advisories and improve already existing advisory systems. Reducing or eliminating fungicide applications through the use of disease advisories is profitable for the grower, and is a positive step toward sustainability in 21st century agriculture. Many valuable disease advisories and forecasting systems have already been developed and could be more widely implemented through the use of modern technologies. With the aid of increasingly inexpensive forms of technology, disease advisories will be dramatically improved. I want to be on the forefront of the development of new advisories and forecasting systems.
Professional Activities:
Sigma Xi Honor Society
Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society
American Phytopathological Society
Southern Division of American Phytopathological Society
Publications:
Smith, D.L., Garrison, M.C., Hollowell, J.E., Isleib, T.G., and Shew, B.B. Evaluation of application timing and efficacy of the fungicides fluazinam and boscalid for control of Sclerotinia blight of peanut. Crop Prot. (accepted).
Smith, D.L., Hollowell, J.E., Isleib, T.G., and Shew, B.B. 2007. A Site-specific, Weather-based Disease Regression Model for Sclerotinia blight of Peanut. Plant Dis. 91:1436-1444.
Smith, D.L., Hollowell, J.E., Shew, B.B., and Cochran, A. 2007. Application time and sequence of fungicide treatments for controlling Sclerotinia blight of peanut, 2006. Plant Disease Management Reports 1:FC066.
Smith, D.L., Hollowell, J.E., Isleib, T.G., and Shew, B.B. 2006. Analysis of factors that influence the epidemiology of Sclerotinia minor on peanut. Plant Dis. 90:1425-1432.
Smith, D.L., Hollowell, J.E., Shew, B.B., and Cochran, A. 2006. Application time and sequence of fungicide treatments for controlling Sclerotinia blight of peanut, 2005. F&N Tests 61:FC018.
Shew, B.B., Hollowell, J.E., and Smith, D.L. 2006. Evaluation of foliar fungicides for the control of peanut disease in North Carolina, 2005. F&N Tests 61:FC011.
Smith, D.L., Hollowell, J.E., Shew, B.B., and Cochran, A. 2005. Evaluation of alternating fungicide treatments for controlling Sclerotinia blight of peanut, 2004. F&N Tests 60: FC096.
Shew, B.B., Hollowell, J.E., Smith, D.L. 2005. Evaluation of foliar fungicides for the control
of peanut diseases in North Carolina, 2004. F&N Tests 60: FC107.
Smith, D.L., Shew, B.B., and Hollowell, J.E. 2004. Evaluation of two fungicides for control of Sclerotinia blight of peanut, 2003. F&N Tests 59: FC031
About me:
I am a native of Western New York and was raised in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. Throughout my high school career I was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the Rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school I attended the State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo). At SUNY Geneseo I concentrated my efforts in the study of plant sciences while I conducted undergraduate research entitled "Effects of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on Plant Growth." In May of 2001 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. In August of 2001 I accepted a graduate research assistantship from the Department of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University under the direction of Dr. Barbara Shew. I obtained my Master of Science degree in Plant Pathology in the spring of 2004. The title of my thesis was "Biology and Epidemiology of Sclerotinia minor on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). I began my Doctoral degree program at NC State University in August of 2004 under the direction of Dr. Barbara Shew and Dr. Turner Sutton. My research was focused on improving the management of Sclerotinia blight of peanut by the development of regression-based disease advisories, fungicide spray programs, and pathogen detection methods. I completed my Doctoral research program in August of 2007. I enjoy motorcycling, running, biking, fishing, and camping and many other outdoor activities in my free time.
