Field Crop Pathology

Dr. Martin I. Chilvers

PI, Researcher

chilvers@msu.edu
517-353-9967
MSU Faculty Profile

Austin McCoy, PhD

Lab Manager
mccoyaus@msu.edu

Nik Nik Zainal Alam, MS

Lab Technician
nikzaina@msu.edu

Paulo Arias Prado, MS

Field Manager
ariaspra@msu.edu

William Widdicombe

Field Technician 

517-353-8913
widdeco1@msu.edu

Hyunkyu Sang, PhD

Visiting Faculty

sanghyun@msu.edu

Hyunkyu is a visiting professor in the Chilvers lab at Michigan State University and a professor at Chonnam National University, South Korea. Hyunkyu current research focuses on fungicide resistance in soybean anthracnose and spray-induced gene silencing for the control of fungal diseases.

Sunkyu Choi, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

choisunk@msu.edu
517-410-0765

Sunkyu Choi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Michigan State University. His research focuses on fungicide resistance on crop pathogens, specifically investigating the underlying mechanisms through genomics and transcriptomics. He is currently addressing the challenges of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) by developing high-throughput phenotyping pipelines to monitor resistance dynamics. By integrating computational approaches with molecular pathology, Sunkyu aims to provide data-driven insights for more precise and durable disease management strategies in sustainable agriculture.

Gloria Baker

PhD student

bakerg1@msu.edu

Gloria is working on multistate monitoring of Fusarium head blight (FHB). This project investigates the causal agents of FHB across multiple states, hosts and years to update our understanding of what species are associated with this disease. She also investigating the fungicide sensitivity of these isolates to various fungicides used in FHB management.

Ryan Hamilton

PhD student, Plant Pathology

hamil486@msu.edu

Ryan’s PhD research investigates soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) as a structured soilborne disease system driven by interactions among Fusarium virguliforme, soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), edaphic factors, and host response. Using multi-state and long-term field datasets integrated with molecular diagnostics, linear mixed-effects models, and multivariate analyses, his work quantifies how pathogen pressure, environmental conditions, and management practices jointly influence disease development and yield loss. His research includes fungicide sensitivity monitoring, evaluation of biological and chemical seed treatment efficacy, and development of diagnostic-informed, risk-stratified frameworks for precision disease management in soybean systems.

Fidel E. Jimenez-Beitia

PhD student, Plant Pathology

jimen199@msu.edu

Originally from Panamá, Fidel is a PhD student working on several projects involving two crop diseases. Fidel is studying tar spot of corn, caused by Phyllachora maydis, focusing on epidemiology, data-driven disease management, and hybrid performance across locations and years in Michigan. Additionally, he is implementing a remote sensing workflow for disease phenotyping in corn using multispectral drone imagery. Fidel is also working on red crown rot of soybean, caused by Calonectria ilicicola, using a molecular approach to develop diagnostic tools and controlled-condition assays. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his mini-Aussie dog, Lana, dancing, traveling, and learning about different cultures.

Peyton Phillips

PhD student, Plant Pathology

phil1017@msu.edu 

Peyton's research primarily focuses on silage corn management. Numerous pathogens can impact silage yield and quality, particularly foliar pathogens resulting in early plant dry down and mycotoxin producing ear and stalk rots which are a danger to animal and human health. Management strategies involving fungicide use, harvest management, and hybrid and type specific differences are all being investigated to optimize silage corn quality and yield. This work aims to benefit Michigan silage corn producers and commercial dairy operations by providing field-based solutions to common pathogen problems.

Alex Bray

PhD student, Plant Pathology

brayale1@msu.edu

Alex's research focuses on managing white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in soybean, with projects spanning fungicide application timing, remote sensing technologies, canopy penetration dynamics, and variety screening. This work aims to improve disease management recommendations for Michigan soybean producers through applied research and extension outreach.

Nathan Tyler

PhD student, Plant Pathology

tylerna2@msu.edu

Nate Tyler is a PhD student in the Chilvers Lab. His research focuses on the pathogen Calonectria ilicicola, specifically investigating the pathogen's host range, fungicide susceptibility, and its impact on diverse cropping systems. By integrating host range and fungicide sensitivity studies, Nate hopes to develop management strategies that minimize crop loss and promote the resilience of sustainable cropping systems.

Keeley Satterfield

MS Student, Plant Pathology

satter19@msu.edu

Recently there has been growing concern for wheat viruses in Michigan wheat fields. Keeley's research focuses on wheat viruses, with special focus on wheat streak mosaic virus. The goal of the research is to provide growers with information of what wheat viruses are present within the state and the resistance potential of soft winter wheat to wheat streak mosaic virus.

Ethan Wachendorf

MS Student, Forest Pathology

wachend1@msu.edu

Ethan's research focuses on quantifying red oak host responses to infection by the oak wilt-causing fungal pathogen Bretziella fagacearum. My experiments in northern Michigan forest stands dominated by red oak have evaluated the susceptibility of fresh-cut stumps and standing red oaks to infection via artificial inoculations with differential inoculum loads. I collected data for wilt severity, earlywood xylem lumen size and occlusion, and sap flux to investigate the relationship between inoculum load and symptom development. My research aims to improve risk assessment in the oak wilt pathosystem and to provide guidance on management approaches from landscape trees to forest stands.