Henrik Stotz

Henrik Stotz is a Reader in Crop Protection at the University of Hertfordshire, affiliated with the Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Science under the School of Life and Medical Sciences. His work focuses on extracellular pathogens affecting arable crops, particularly Brassica species.

• Education:
  • PhD, University of California, USA (1994)
  • Diploma, Albert Ludwigs University, Germany (1988)

Stotz's research centers on host-pathogen interactions in brassicas, including Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) and Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot). His team integrates molecular genetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis to investigate resistance mechanisms and disease susceptibility.

Recent research outputs highlight his work on quantitative trait loci (QTL) in barley under drought stress (2024), pathogen lifestyle impacts on resistance genetics in oilseed rape (2024), and temperature-sensitive R gene networks (2024). Collaborations span fungal pathogens like Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium oxysporum in India and Japan.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology
  • Member of the British Society for Plant Pathology

Stotz leads funded projects with agricultural trusts and breeders, including Elsoms and LS Plant Breeding. His work bridges molecular research with field applications for durable disease resistance strategies.