Phillip Wharton

Phillip Wharton is Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at the University of Idaho's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. His research focuses on potato disease management, including fungicide resistance, diagnostic tool development, and integrated disease control strategies for Pacific Northwest agriculture.

Recent work emphasizes sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides, novel detection methods using LAMP assays, and characterization of emerging pathogens affecting potatoes and other crops. His extension activities bridge research with practical farm-level solutions.

Publications demonstrate expertise in Phytophthora infestans surveillance, Fusarium dry rot management, and international collaborations like the USAID Biotech Potato Partnership. Current projects target storage disease mitigation and climate-resilient disease management systems.