Kaire Loit

Kaire Loit is a Lecturer in Plant Pathology at the Estonian University of Life Sciences' Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Her research focuses on biological control of crop pathogens and sustainable precision crop protection, particularly through mycovirus studies and management of the Agricultural Fungal Culture Collection (TFC-FP).

• Doctorate in Plant Pathology (2021), Estonian University of Life Sciences
• Master's in Horticulture (2009), Estonian University of Life Sciences

Her research integrates plant pathology with microbial ecology, examining how mycorrhizal fungi, soil biodiversity, and agricultural practices influence disease dynamics. She specializes in:

• Fungal community analysis in potato and wheat systems
• Mycovirus interactions with pathogenic fungi
• Fungicide resistance and residue impacts
• Biocontrol methods using rhizosphere microbiota
• Climate-resilient crop protection

Recent publications highlight advancements in:

• Ozonated water applications for grapevine pathogens
• Phytophthora infestans lineage EU_37_A2 virulence traits
• Pesticide residue risk assessment across Europe
• Mycorrhizal inoculum effects on potato disease
• Soil biodiversity-fertility linkages

Scientific contributions include:

• 2023 Estonian Agricultural University cooperation project award
• Member of COST Action CA22142 (ROOT-BENEFIT) for sustainable agroecosystems
• Board member of Estonian Plant Protection Society
• Collaborative work with institutions in France, Denmark, and Norway

Teaching responsibilities cover:

• Plant pathology laboratory methods
• Integrated pest management systems
• Agroecology and biodiversity conservation
• Molecular diagnostics of plant pathogens