Stellos Tavantzis

Stellos Tavantzis is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Cooperating Professor of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Maine's School of Biology and Ecology. He holds a Ph.D. in 1980 from Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on molecular genetics of fungal virulence and biological control strategies for plant pathogens like Rhizoctonia solani. He is particularly known for studying double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) elements that modulate pathogenicity and their application in sustainable agriculture.

Education: Ph.D., 1980, Pennsylvania State University.

Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis, functional genomics of Rhizoctonia solani, dsRNA-mediated hypovirulence, and sustainable biocontrol methods. His work emphasizes reducing reliance on chemical pesticides through understanding fungal RNA elements and metabolic pathways (e.g., shikimate pathway regulation).

Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 1979, including seminal work on partitivirus biology and dsRNA roles in fungal pathology. Recent contributions explore soil microbial community dynamics in organic agriculture and gene expression in plant-fungus interactions.

Grants & Awards: Not explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record and leadership in fungal genetics suggest significant research funding and recognition in plant pathology.

Labs/Teams: Leads a research group investigating fungal dsRNA biology and collaborates with institutions globally on sustainable agricultural practices.