Paul Esker

Paul Esker is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Pennsylvania State University, where he investigates plant disease epidemiology and sustainable management practices. His work spans biological control, fungicide optimization, and climate change impacts on crop health.

Research Interests

• Plant-microbe interactions in disease suppression
• Quantitative disease severity and yield loss modeling
• Climate-adaptive agricultural practices

Scientific Contributions include developing tools like the MSE FINDR R application for statistical analysis, advancing global Fusarium databases, and documenting tar spot emergence in Pennsylvania. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to phytopathometry.

Scientific Awards

• NSF Grant for nematology research (2023)
• Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society Recognition (2025)
• Land Grant Research Impact Fellow (2025)

Research Themes: Fungicide efficacy, microbiome-driven plant health, Fusarium species complex, soybean yield optimization, climate change adaptation, and emerging crop diseases like maize tar spot.

Labs: Conducts research at 212A Buckhout Laboratory, University Park, PA, focusing on experimental plant pathology and sustainable pest management.