Brett E Arenz

Brett E Arenz is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, specializing in plant disease diagnostics and invasive species management. He is affiliated with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center.

Research Interests: His work focuses on fungal pathogens, phytoplasma infections, and viral diseases in plants, with emphasis on emerging threats to agricultural and forest ecosystems. Key areas include Tar Spot in corn, Diplodia infections in pine seedlings, and PCR-free DNA detection technologies.

Grants & Projects: Arenz leads projects like the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network and Maintaining and Enhancing Microscopy Resources in Plant Science Teaching, funded by USDA and state agencies. Collaborations span institutions such as Michigan State University and University of Minnesota.

Labs & Teams: He contributes to the North Central Region Plant Disease Center Laboratory and applies microscopy techniques in teaching and diagnostics.