Leslie Holland

Leslie Holland is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on cranberry, apple, grape, and strawberry pathology. Based at Russell Labs, she leads the UW Fruit Pathology Lab and UW Fruit Program, translating research into practical solutions for Wisconsin growers through applied field studies and stakeholder collaboration.

Dr. Holland's educational background includes:

• PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of California, Davis
• MS in Plant Pathology from Washington State University

Her research centers on fungal disease complexes in fruit crops, investigating fungicide resistance mechanisms, disease forecasting models, and biological control strategies. She integrates molecular diagnostics with field epidemiology to address grower-identified challenges, emphasizing sustainable management practices that balance chemical and cultural controls for Wisconsin's unique fruit production environment.

Analysis of her 2022-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in cranberry pathology (false blossom, fruit rot), with growing emphasis on climate change impacts, molecular detection tools, and fungicide resistance monitoring across fruit systems. Her work increasingly bridges laboratory validation with on-farm implementation, particularly for cold-climate viticulture and strawberry pollination ecology, demonstrating strong alignment with Wisconsin agricultural priorities.

Dr. Holland has not been mentioned to have received any scientific awards in the provided materials.

As an Extension Specialist, she maintains active engagement with Wisconsin fruit growers through diagnostic services, field workshops, and collaborative research projects. Her dual academic-extension role inherently involves securing grant funding for applied research, though specific projects aren't detailed; she mentors graduate students in plant pathology with focus on practical disease management solutions for regional fruit industries.

Dr. Holland directs the UW Fruit Pathology Lab and UW Fruit Program, which serve as central hubs for disease diagnostics, grower education, and applied research. Her team collaborates with the Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic, Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab, and Wisconsin fruit industry stakeholders to address emerging pathogen threats across cranberry marshes, apple orchards, vineyards, and strawberry fields.