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Position and responsibilities:
Dr. Windels' responsibilities include research (85%) and teaching (15%). Her research program focuses on the biology and integrated management of economically important fungal pathogens of sugarbeet (Aphanomyces cochlioides, Pythium species, Rhizoctonia solani, Cercospora beticola). In recent years, Aphanomyces damping-off and root rot have become increasingly severe, so current and future emphasis is being focused on various aspects of A. cochlioides: genetic and phenotypic variability, rapid detection in soil and roots, disease suppression by green cover crops, sensitivity to chemical and biological seed treatments, development of techniques to screen germplasm for resistance, oospore survival, and application of Geographic Information Systems to understand the relationship of field topography and soil factors on inoculum and disease development. Research also is conducted on crops rotated with sugar beet because other plant species can affect populations of sugarbeet pathogens. Several collaborators from the University of Minnesota and other universities, United States Department of Agriculture, sugarbeet industries, and producers are involved in various aspects of the research.
The NWROC at Crookston (located 300 miles from the St. Paul Campus) offers unique opportunities for plant pathology research in the agriculturally rich Red River Valley. The Center has a plant pathology research laboratory, greenhouses, controlled environment chambers, and field facilities. Special arrangements are made for housing graduate students during the summer.
Teaching and outreach of research results and other sources of related information are presented to diverse audiences including other scientists, agriculturists, crop consultants, field scouts, industry personnel, area agents, and producers. Dr. Windels' research is published in scientific journals and presented in workshops, seminars, radio and magazine interviews, news releases, semi-technical research reports, field tours, and in one-on-one contacts. She also is a faculty advisor to plant pathology graduate students.
External grants from several sources have provided funding for Dr. Windels' research. For instance, in the last 10 years funds have been awarded by the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board of Minnesota and North Dakota, United States Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources, Beet Sugar Development Foundation, and the University of Minnesota's Parker Sanders Fund and Undergraduate Research Opportunities Grants.
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