Travis Faske

About Travis Faske

Dr. Travis Faske is a Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, based at the Lonoke Extension Center. He holds a PhD in Plant Pathology from Texas A&M University (2006), an MS from Oklahoma State University (2000), and a BS from Tarleton State University (1996). His primary affiliation is with the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Research Focus

Dr. Faske's work centers on fungal disease and plant-parasitic nematode management in soybean, corn, peanut, and cotton. Key areas include fungicide resistance and timing for foliar diseases, root-knot nematode susceptibility in crop varieties, and efficacy of new nematicides. He leads a comprehensive screening program for soybean diseases like frogeye leaf spot, stem canker, and root-knot nematode.

Publications & Outreach

His research spans over 50 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and extension publications. Notable contributions include work on nematicide meta-analyses, fungicide application timing, and emerging pathogens like Xylaria necrophora. He co-authors the Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products Guide and contributes to the Crop Protection Network.

Awards & Recognition

• 2015 American Phytopathological Society Schroth Faces of the Future Award in Nematology
• 2015 University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Early Career Faculty Award

Teaching & Mentorship

He has advised master’s students Tracy Hawk (2019) and Courtney Jackson (2016), focusing on nematicide efficacy in cotton and soybean systems.