Alyssa Koehler

Alyssa Koehler is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Plant Pathology at the University of Delaware, affiliated with the Department of Plant & Soil Sciences and the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her work bridges applied field research with laboratory analysis to mitigate crop disease losses through sustainable strategies, communicated actively via extension programming and social media platforms like Twitter (@UDPlantPath).

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University
• M.S. in Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University
• B.S. in Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

The Koehler Lab focuses on plant pathology, targeting diseases in corn, soybeans, wheat, malting barley, watermelon, and stevia. Research involves evaluating foliar fungicides, pathogen biology, and application timing, emphasizing sustainable practices. Recent trials highlight disease-specific interventions and adaptive management in Delaware and Maryland.

Notable scientific contributions include applied research on corn and soybean disease control, wheat Fusarium head blight in small grains, and the first documented Rhizoctonia solani AG 4 infection in stevia crops. The lab provides timely recommendations, extension fact sheets, and field trials to support Delaware's agricultural sector, particularly for field crops and specialty crops like stevia and watermelon.

• Advising: Mentoring Ph.D. candidates, M.S. students, and undergraduates in plant pathology and disease management research.
• Collaborations: Carvel Research and Education Center, UDairy Creamery, and regional agricultural extension networks.

The lab maintains active partnerships at the Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown, DE, and engages in outreach through social media, extension events, and publications tailored to local farmers and researchers. Research priorities include climate-resilient disease control and pathogen surveillance across diverse cropping systems.