معرفی
Elsa Petit is a Senior Lecturer in Viticulture and Plant Pathology and Program Coordinator for Horticulture Associate and Bachelor of Science Programs at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is actively engaged in research, teaching, and extension, focusing on sustainable agriculture and plant-microbe interactions in grape systems.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, 2005
- M.S. in Agronomy, Bordeaux, France, 2000
Dr. Petit's research centers on the evolution and ecology of plant-microbe interactions, using grape species in the Northeast U.S. as a model system. Her lab investigates the impact of agricultural management on plant microbiomes, temperature effects on flowering time in wild grapes, and variation in disease resistance to fungal pathogens. She emphasizes sustainable viticulture and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Her recent publications span fungal pathology, molecular ecology, genome evolution, and entomology, reflecting interdisciplinary work with strong implications for plant health and biodiversity. Key themes include fungal disease mechanisms, microbiome dynamics, and genetic adaptation in plant pathogens.
Service and Leadership:
- Leader, MA Extension Grape Production
- Lead Investigator, NIFA Multistate Project NE1720 (MAS00516): 'Multi-state Coordinated Evaluation of Winegrape Cultivars and Clones'
- Editor, New England Grape Notes Newsletter
- Chair, Ad Hoc Committee on Language Proficiency
- Member, International Studies Council
- Member, Faculty Senate - General Education Council
She teaches courses such as General Plant Pathology, Sustainable Grape Production, and Global Issues in Applied Biology. Her extension work bridges academic research with practical grape growing in Massachusetts, supporting local growers through science-based outreach.
