Ep. 019 - Blackberry Fusarium Wilt with Dr. Sara Villani (7/15/2024)

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Sara Villani, Plant Pathologist and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University who focuses on apples, blackberries, and woody ornamental plants. Sara’s research and extension program aims to incorporate basic and applied research methods to develop novel and improved disease management practices for several commodities including blackberry. We brought Sara on the podcast to discuss an emerging disease of blackberry that was recently found in North Carolina and Arkansas, Fusarium Wilt. We discussed the biology of the pathogen, signs and symptoms of the disease, and best management practices to help limit its spread and impact. We also discussed some of Sara’s research on the genetics of fusarium across the country and work looking at cane dieback issues in Ponca.