Daniel R. Cooley

Daniel R. Cooley is Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Stockbridge School of Agriculture. His research program focuses on developing sustainable disease management strategies for temperate fruit crops, particularly apples. Education includes a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from UMass Amherst (1986), M.S. in Plant & Soil Sciences from University of Vermont (1978), and A.B. from Harvard College (1974).

Research interests center on reducing fungicide dependence through forecast modeling for diseases like apple scab and sooty blotch/flyspeck. His lab investigates host resistance, cultural modifications, and biological controls, working directly with commercial growers to implement eco-labeling programs. The research emphasizes practical applications in northeastern US orchard systems.

Recent publications demonstrate his focus on climate-adaptive disease management, genomic analysis of plant pathogens, and precision agriculture technologies. His work integrates molecular biology, field ecology, and technology development to address critical challenges in fruit production.