George Sundin

George Sundin is a University Distinguished Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU). He holds a B.S. from Penn State University, M.S. and Ph.D. from Michigan State University and Oklahoma State University, respectively, and completed a postdoc at the University of Illinois-Chicago. His research focuses on plant bacteriology, particularly fire blight caused by Erwinia amylovora, and fungal tree fruit pathogens like apple scab and cherry leaf spot. He studies pathogen-host interactions, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and fungicide resistance mechanisms.

Dr. Sundin's Extension work provides disease management strategies for Michigan fruit growers, emphasizing fire blight, apple scab, and brown rot. His lab evaluates new bactericides and fungicides, with recommendations published annually in the MSU Fruit Management Guide. He teaches PLP 884: Plant Bacteriology and leads grants such as a $5.2 million initiative on fire blight management strategies. His research has addressed SDHI resistance in Blumeriella jaapii and streptomycin resistance in Erwinia amylovora.

• Education:
  • B.S., Penn State University
  • M.S., Michigan State University
  • Ph.D., Oklahoma State University
  • Postdoc, University of Illinois-Chicago

His scientific contributions include over 100 peer-reviewed articles on bacterial pathogenesis, biofilm regulation, and pathogen resistance. Awards include the University Distinguished Professor title. He collaborates with MSU Extension and industry partners to translate research into practical orchard management.