Geunhwa Jung

Geunhwa Jung is a Professor of Turfgrass Pathology and Plant Breeding & Genetics at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst. He leads the Turf Pathology Lab and is actively engaged in research, teaching, and extension services related to turfgrass disease management and genetic improvement.

Education:

• Ph.D., Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1995)
• M.S., Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1992)
• B.S., Horticulture, Chungnam National University (1988)

His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of fungicide resistance in Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, soil microbial dynamics in organic and conventional golf course systems, mapping quantitative disease resistance in turfgrass, and classical and molecular breeding for enhanced disease resistance. His work integrates genomics, pathology, and breeding to improve turfgrass sustainability.

The recent publications show a strong trend in molecular plant pathology, fungicide resistance mechanisms, comparative genomics in Poaceae, and development of molecular markers for disease resistance. His research bridges fundamental science with practical applications in turfgrass management.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Dr. Jung advises students and conducts grant-funded research focused on turfgrass pathology and breeding. His extension outreach includes educational talks, diagnostic site visits, in vitro and molecular assays for fungicide resistance, and publication of extension articles. He collaborates with researchers on genetic marker development and population studies in turfgrass species.

He leads the Turf Pathology Lab at Paige Laboratory 206, which serves as a hub for research on turfgrass diseases, fungicide resistance diagnostics, and genetic studies in Agrostis, Zoysia, and other turf species.